Brains of a dying hen

phr.

Heard in Tipperary

A description of someone who is profoundly lacking in intelligence or common sense.

In use

That lad hasn't the brains of a dying hen, he wouldn't know his arse from his elbow.

Posh English

That fellow possesses less intellect than the most unfortunate of poultry, and is quite unable to distinguish his posterior from his own elbow.