can't carry a tune

can't carry a tune

Can't sing well; totally lacks musical talent. I think it's lovely that George wants to be in his church choir, but that boy can't carry a tune!
See also: carry, tune
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

can't carry a tune

 and cannot carry a tune; can't carry a tune in a bushel basket; can't carry a tune in a bucket; can't carry a tune in a paper sack
Fig. [to be] unable to sing a simple melody; lacking musical ability. I wish that Tom wouldn't try to sing. He can't carry a tune. I don't know why Mary's in the choir. She can't carry a tune in a bushel basket. Joe likes to sing in the shower, though he can't carry a tune in a bucket. I'd try to hum the song for you, but I can't carry a tune in a paper sack.
See also: carry, tune
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • if you can't beat 'em
  • you can run, but you can't hide
  • you can't run with the hare and hunt with the hounds
  • have (one's) bread buttered on both sides
  • have your bread buttered on both sides
  • can't do anything with
  • can't do anything with (someone or something)
  • can't have it both ways
  • you, etc. can't have it both ways
  • yellow dog
References in periodicals archive
I may have perfect pitch but I can't carry a tune."
Maria Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina