# dumb as a post

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dumb-as-a-post
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Utterly mute; lacking the ability to speak.

## Examples

- He stood there, dumb as a post, and said nothing.
- When the teacher asked him to explain his mistake, he just stared at her, dumb as a post.
- The witness remained dumb as a post throughout the entire trial, refusing to answer even the simplest questions from the judge.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.