# have a brick in one's hat

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-a-brick-in-ones-hat
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be drunk.

## Examples

- He had a brick in his hat after the party.
- The man was stumbling down the street because he clearly had a brick in his hat.
- After consuming several rounds of strong spirits, he began to behave erratically, suggesting he had a brick in his hat.

## Origin

Mid-19th century, of American origin. The expression refers to the unsteady gait of an intoxicated person, which was likened to the difficulty of balancing a heavy object, such as a brick, inside one's headgear. Under the weight of the invisible masonry, the wearer was observed to walk with a distinct lack of coordination.

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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.