way out of a paper bag
(idiomatic, formulaic) A minimal level of competence or effectiveness, as used in phrases where one is unable to perform.
My boss is so clueless, he couldn't schedule his own way out of a paper bag.
Junior varsity couldn't play their way out of a paper bag in comparison.
I don't understand why people whose entire lives or their corporate success depends on communication, and yet they are led on occasion by CEOs who cannot talk their way out of a paper bag and don't care to. Frank Luntz
Oh, obviously,” Reyna said. "Without you, I doubt Percy could find his way out of a paper bag.” "True,” Annabeth agreed. Rick Riordan
I've always loved acting, even from when I was a child. But when I got on stage, I realised I couldn't act my way out of a paper bag. I was wild and full of unharnessed energy, but I was around all these seasoned performers like Rita Cullis. It was as if they were all in slow motion. Claron McFadden