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Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs