He's currently out on bale.

Similar idioms are "Not the sharpest knife in the drawer", "not the sharpest tool in the shed.", "not the smartest piggy in the litter."

it doesn't have to be secret... not all of us are undercover FBI agents, just a select few.

I've usually heard it as "tempest in a teacup" -- but that might be a Britishism. It's pretty rare. People are more likely to say "Make a mountain out of a mole hill."

Also implies acting appropriately, clearly, and quickly to the situation

She does look a little pail.

She looks like she's blushing blue. Needs more exhaustion.

Usually occurs after foot in the mouth.