Phrase with similar meaning to "don't suffer fools gladly/lightly"

Question

I am looking for a phrase that is similar to "he doesn't suffer fools gladly" it is something like "he'd sooner walk through you, than around" likely UK/Irish in origin.  I read it in an Irish paper a few years ago to describe someone who was impatient w people and didn't suffer fools lightly.  I cannot remember the exact phrase though.

Kris · Answer

A no-nonsense person.

no-nonsense (MW)

: tolerating no nonsense : serious, businesslike
      a no-nonsense manager

no-nonsense in American

(ˈnoʊˈnɑnsɛns ; nōˈnänˈsens)
  adjective
  not indulging in or tolerating nonsense, impracticality, etc.; matter-of-fact; practical and serious

Usage:

“He (James “Jim” Egan) was a no nonsense person – he didn't put up with fools.” --Don McLeod, Egan’s biographer

(U of T Libraries holds the Heritage Minutes archive at its Downsview facility, University of Toronto - News)

Lola · Answer

I realise that this is a very late answer, but I believe I know the Irish phrase you're looking for: "He'd go through you for a shortcut". Hope this helps!

Steven · Answer

There is a reference to this in the Christian Bible in 1st Corinthians, I believe. Paul, the apostle is making a sarcastic remark to the Church of Corinth saying that they "suffer fools gladly because they are so wise".

Answered by Steven on November 26, 2020

Phrase with similar meaning to "don't suffer fools gladly/lightly"

3 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question