Leave a lot to be desired

[0277] What were they thinking?

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A rhetorical question expressing strong disbelief, confusion, or disapproval regarding someone's decision, action, or creation.
  • Implies the action was illogical, foolish, poorly judged, or nonsensical.

Origin

  • Uses a basic question structure (What was [subject] thinking?) rhetorically.
  • The speaker isn't actually asking for the thought process but highlighting its perceived absence or irrationality.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • What on earth were they thinking? (Emphasis)
  • What was going through their mind/head?
  • Were they out of their mind? / Are they crazy?
  • That's illogical. / That makes no sense.
  • How could they...?
  • That was a terrible/foolish decision.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • What the hell? / WTF? / WTH? (Expresses shock/disbelief)
  • Are they high? / Were they drunk? (Suggests impaired judgment, joking/insulting)
  • That's just dumb/stupid.
  • Major brain fart? (Suggests a temporary lapse in thinking)
  • Who thought that was a good idea?

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • What the fuck were they thinking?
  • Are they fucking stupid/mental? (Very insulting)

Milder/More Formal:

  • That seems ill-considered/ill-advised.
  • One questions the rationale behind that.
  • A questionable decision.
  • The logic is difficult to follow.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Mostly informal.
  • Can be used in semi-formal settings among peers who likely share the sentiment.
  • Avoid directing it *at* the person/group being criticized in a formal setting, as it's inherently critical and dismissive of their judgment.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Learners should understand it's rhetorical. The speaker isn't genuinely asking for an explanation but is expressing strong disapproval or shock at the lack of good sense.

Examples

  • They approved that ugly building design? What were they thinking?
  • He invested all his savings in that scheme? What was he thinking?
  • This plot twist makes no sense! What were the writers thinking?

Dialogue

Anna: Did you see the council cut down those beautiful old trees in the park?

Ben: Yes! I drove past this morning. What were they thinking?! The park looks barren now.

Anna: I know! Everyone's furious about it.

Social Media Examples

  • Reacting to bad news: They cancelled the best show on TV?! WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?! #SaveOurShow #Angry
  • Commenting on design: This new phone design is hideous. What were they thinking @CompanyName? #TechFail #Design
  • Political critique: That policy change is going to hurt so many people. Seriously, what were they thinking? #politics #facepalm

Response Patterns

  • I know, right? It's unbelievable!
  • Beats me. / I have no idea.
  • Exactly! Makes no sense.
  • Maybe they thought [speculative, often illogical reason]?
  • Shaking head in agreement.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • Shared speculation about the (lack of) reasoning.
  • Further criticism of the decision/action.
  • Discussion of the negative consequences.
  • Expressing shared frustration or disbelief.

Conversation Starter

  • Yes. Can be used to initiate a conversation about a recent, seemingly illogical event, decision, or observation. Did you see the news about X? What were they thinking?!

Intonation

  • Often exclamatory, with disbelief or exasperation.
  • Rising intonation on THINKING. Stress on WHAT and THINKING. WHAT were they THINKING?!
  • Can also be said in a quieter, more bewildered tone.

Generation Differences

  • Universal. Very common expression.

Regional Variations

  • Universal.
Leave a lot to be desired
🎲 Half-assed