(as) sober as a judge

1. To be stoic and reserved, perhaps even somber. Anita has been as sober as a judge ever since she heard of Marshall's death. The coach stood at the side of the field, sober as a judge, as the clock counted down on his team's championship ambitions.2. To be calm and rational. We need someone who can consider these issues without their emotions interfering—you'll need to be as sober as a judge from beginning to end!3. To be not at all intoxicated. I haven't been drinking at all, I swear! I'm as sober as a judge! John's remained sober as a judge ever since the car accident three years ago.See also: judge, sober

*sober as a judge

1. Cliché very formal, somber, or stuffy. (*Also: as ~.) You certainly look gloomy, Bill. You're sober as a judge. Tom's as sober as a judge. I think he's angry. 2. Cliché not drunk; alert and completely sober. (*Also: as ~.) John's drunk? No, he's as sober as a judge. You should be sober as a judge when you drive a car.See also: judge, sober

sober as a judge

Not at all intoxicated, quite clear-headed, as in Even after three drinks he was sober as a judge. Why judges should be equated with sobriety is not known, but the simile was first recorded in 1694. See also: judge, sober

sober as a judge

BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONEDIf someone is as sober as a judge, they have drunk no alcohol at all. For five years I was as sober as a judge.See also: judge, sober

sober as a judge

completely sober.See also: judge, sober

(as) sober as a ˈjudge

not at all affected by alcohol: I was driving, so of course I was sober as a judge. OPPOSITE: (as) drunk as a lordSee also: judge, sober