" Rattling Around Like A Bat In A Boat" What Is The Right Expression?

[Bert45]

Gavin and Stacey. Bryn says he'll be "rattling around like a bat in a boat". Common expressions are often slightly altered in the sitcom. Pam wants to know "the reason while" instead of the reason why. I can't think of the expression that Bryn nearly gets. Please help.

[Sam1960]

rats fleeing a sinking ship  ????

[Bert45]

Nice try, Sam, but I think the right expression should mean what the wrong expression is intended to mean. I'm thinking of the expression "a fart in a colander" which might mean 'a naval slang phrase that describes indecisive behaviour. For example, you might describe someone as “rushing about like a fart in a colander, not sure which hole to come out of”' Also the title of Roy Hudd's autobiography, but it doesn't convey the idea of being alone in a large empty house.

[sandyRoe]

Rattling about like a pea on a drum?

[Bert45]

"Like a pea on a drum" is an expression I'd not heard before. It does convey the idea of rattling and being small in a large space. Perhaps that's the answer. I tried looking for it in Welsh (even though Bryn professes not to know Welsh) with no success. I think I'll leave it. There are bigger things to worry about.

[Khandro]

As loose as a dick in a top hat.