As a native English speaker, I have heard these expressions throughout my life. Some are used in certain regions and age groups. Much like Jake, some are not used mush or have been replaced by newer, hipper expressions. Don't feel bad though, we have many Americans that could not tell you what they mean let alone how to use them. Keep building your vocabulary/Colloquialisms/ etc, and you will be fine.

Hello Alena, Most of the expressions you listed are little old fashioned, but I still use these: ...can't hold a candle to something/someone. ...doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain. Christine

I have never heard of: - to be as clever as a cartload of monkeys - to know how many beans make five I have heard of these and know what they mean, but would almost never to use them: - to be as bright as a button - to be as sharp as a needle - to have bats in one's belfry - to know a thing or two - to be in the swim (note: I have only ever heard this as "...in the swim of things," not as just "...in the swim.") I use these sometimes, although not very often: - not to know enough to come in out of the rain. - can't hold a candle to smb. "Him? He can't hold a candle to her. Heck, he barely knows enough to come in out of the rain."

Most are out of use. "Sharp as a tack" is still used somewhat frequently. "smart as a bag of hammers" "smart as a box of turnips", these phrases are more common than the monkey/cart analogy. "bats in the belfry" used to be very common but is more likely to be something like "one taco short of a combination platter", or something more hip. Also note, speech has two "e"

I thought about this version) Thank you, Kurt!