Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

carry a tune

Idioms  
  1. Accurately sing a melody, as in Dean loves to listen to music but he can't carry a tune. [Early 1800s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Musical talent evaded them their whole life — their stepdad once told them they couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket — and yet, they beat on like a boat against the current.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2023

Suddenly, the issue of who can carry a tune pales in comparison to the question of where families and businesses will go when bulldozers arrive in Fillmore.

From New York Times • Sep. 1, 2022

I sang something, and he said, ‘Man, you can really carry a tune.’

From Fox News • Jan. 23, 2022

Four different members sang lead vocals, with Mr. Frayne specializing in tunes that didn’t require him to carry a tune.

From Washington Post • Sep. 29, 2021

“Too bad they can’t carry a tune better.”

From "Willodeen" by Katherine Applegate

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "carry a tune" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com