mit dem Klammerbeutel gepudert sein

to be not quite right in the head; to be a bit daft

Origin

The expression arose only after 1900. The popular mill explanation is considered untenable; more likely the image alludes to the powdering of hair and wigs in the 18th century. It was popularised in part by satirists such as Kurt Tucholsky.

Source

Building blocks

Words in this expression

Examples

  • Du willst bei diesem ? Du bist mit dem Klammerbeutel gepudert!

    You want to go swimming in this weather? You must have a screw loose!