brick in one's hat

US, circa 1846. Presumably due to staggering walk when drunk; compare top-heavy with drink.

• "Seated at the same table with our Mr.—, was a gentleman, who, to use the current phrase, ‘had a brick in his hat.’"
• "Her husband had taken to the tavern, and often came home very late, “with a brick in his hat,” as Sally expressed it."

• drunkenness

• ants in one's pants
• flea in one's ear
• frog in one's throat
• thorn in one's side
• wolf in one's stomach