Want to know the 40 animal idioms. But firstly talk about the meaning of idioms. Let’s began the lesson.
Idioms and Their Importance
Idioms are phrases that don’t make sense if you only look at the individual words. They add depth to language and culture. For example, the phrase “kicked the bucket” humorously refers to dying. Idioms also create a sense of community by using shared expressions that strengthen relationships and spark interest in other cultures.
Using idioms improves communication and encourages us to explore different languages, showing who we are. In today’s interconnected world, knowing idiomatic expressions is important for meaningful conversations and understanding the subtleties of human relationships.
Common Animal Idioms Explained
Animal idioms make language more colorful and meaningful. Learning these idioms bed> improves vocabulary and understanding of people.
A list of 40 animal idioms offers more insights into society’s values.
1. Let sleeping dogs lie:
Don’t disturb a peaceful situation.
Example: Don’t let sleeping dogs lie otherwise you will face the arguement.
2. Every dog has its day:
Everyone gets a chance at the end.
Example: His success proved that every dog has its day.
3. Dog-eat-dog:
A very competitive environment.
Example: Here is dog-eat-dog competition in this field.
4. Work like a dog:
Work very hard.
Example: He worked like a dog for 2022.
5. Gone to the dogs:
Become worse.
Example: This business went to the dogs.
6. Curiosity killed the cat:
Don’t be too nosy.
Example: He refused to tell us the details, saying that “Curiosity killed the cat”.
7. Let the cat out of the bag:
To reveal a secret.
Example: Let the cat out of the bag because everyone is curious to know the secret.
8. Like a cat on a hot tin roof:
Very nervous.
Example: At the time of interview he behaved like a cat on hot tin roof.
9. Cat got your tongue?
Why are you silent?
Example: She asked him that whether cat got your tongue?
10. Fight like cats and dogs:
Constantly argue.
Example: Every couple fights like cats and dogs.
11. Hold your horses:
Wait a moment; be patient.
Example: Just hold your horses till John comes.
12. Straight from the horse’s mouth:
From a reliable source.
Example: Don’t worry this information came from the horse’s mouth.
13. Put the cart before the horse:
Do things in the wrong order.
Example: He was in a hurry so he put the cart before the horse.
14. Beat a dead horse:
Waste time on a hopeless issue.
Example: He tried to resolve the issue but in reality he is beating a dead horse.
15. Horse of a different color:
A completely different matter.
Example: Don’t interfere because the horse is of a different color.
16. A little bird told me:
I heard a secret from someone.
Example: She said that a little bird tole her.
17. Kill two birds with one stone:
Accomplish two tasks at once.
Example: He is very intelligent that he killed two birds with one stone in no time.
18. Birds of a feather flock together:
Similar people stick together.
Example: When I look at these two friends I feel that birds of a feather flock together.
19. Early bird catches the worm:
Success comes to those who act early.
Example: I advised him that early birds catches the worm.
20. Free as a bird:
Completely unrestricted.
Example: After he left college, he felt free as a bird.
21. Snake in the grass:
A hidden danger or a deceitful person.
Example: He looked apparently like a nice guy, but it turned out he was a snake in the grass.
22. Crocodile tears:
Fake or insincere tears.
Example: She wept crocodile tears over the victims of accident.
23. Cold-blooded:
Lacking emotions.
Example: It was a cold blodded act by him.
24. To shed your skin:
To change completely.
Example: When she left the spot, he shed his skin completely.
25. More slippery than an eel:
Difficult to catch.
Example: This face wash is feeling more slippery than an eel, making it difficult to rinse off.
26. Cash cow:
A reliable source of income.
Example: This new product is a cash cow for him.
27. Pig out:
Eat a lot of food greedily.
Example: He was so hungry that he pig out a large pizza of mine.
28. When pigs fly:
Something that will never happen.
Example: I’ll start exercising regularly when pigs fly.
29. Lamb to the slaughter:
Innocently heading into danger.
Example: He walked into the interview like a lamb to the slaughter.
30. Until the cows come home:
For a very long time.
Example: They are working on that project until the cows come home.
31. Elephant in the room:
An obvious problem people avoid talking about.
Example: Her dad’s depression has been the elephant in the room.
32. Lion’s share:
The biggest portion.
Example: The lion’s share of the budget went towards parliament house.
33. Grizzly bear hug:
A very strong, tight hug.
Example: Both friends met with grizzly bear hug.
34. Wild goose chase:
A hopeless pursuit.
Example: His try to find some space there was a wild goose chase.
35. Monkey business:
Dishonest behavior.
Example: There was some monkey business going on.
36. Big fish in a small pond:
Someone important in a small group.
Example: He’s a big fish in his small town, but not for a big city.
37. Plenty of fish in the sea:
Many other options.
Example: Don’t cry over this loss, there are plenty of fishes in the sea.
38. Fish out of water:
Uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.
Example: He felt like a fish out of water.
39. Octopus on roller skates:
Very awkward.
Example: He was feeling like an octopus on roller skates between them.
40. Something smells fishy:
Something seems suspicious.
Example: I tried to hide the secret but she felt that something smells fishy.
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