Search results
Animal idioms are expressions using animal names to convey specific meanings. These idioms often illustrate everyday life, emotions, and situations. For instance, horse idioms like “hold your horses” mean to be patient. Similarly, chicken idioms such as “chicken out” signify backing out from something.
- Common English Animal Idioms
- Why Do We Use Idioms in English?
- Why You Should Learn English Idioms and How to Use Them
1. At a snail’s pace
Meaning:Moving very slowly This idiom is pretty self-explanatory because we know that snails and slugs move very slowly. This idiom has been used for a very long time. The phrase is found in William Shakespeare’s play “Richard III,”which was written and first performed in 16th century England. Example:Traffic is moving at a snail’s pace.
2. Busy as a bee
Meaning: Extremely busy This idiom originated from Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”(specifically, “The Squire’s Tale”) which was written around 1386. The English is very old, but the phrase remains popular to this day. “Lo, suche sleightes and subtilitees In wommen be, for ay as busy as bees.” The above language looks very different from modern English, but the animal idiom is exactly the same. Today, the phrase is used to describe someone being very busy, but working with a purpose in a pleasant...
3. Open a can of worms
Meaning:Create a whole new set of problems This phrase is often used when you try to solve a problem or answer a question, but you only create more problems or more questions. Nobody is sure of the exact origin of this idiom, but some people believe it came from a time when fishermen bought canned worms for bait. They would bring the worms to the fishing site, but if they knocked the can over, they had a whole new problem of catching their bait. Some also believe that “can of worms” is a mode...
Why make things harder by using idioms? Well, it’s a fun way to talk! You get to express yourself in a whole new way. Each language and culture has their own set of idioms. Idioms common in the United Kingdom may be foreign to an English speaker from the United States of America, and vice versa. In the same way, American proverbsmay focus on differ...
When can you use idioms?
You can use idioms anytime you want, but you need to be careful. Only use idioms when you’re certain of the meaning and the context. Also, since idioms can express strong emotions, make sure that the idiom you choose expresses the idea that you want to say.
How to sound natural when choosing idioms
The best way to sound natural is to use idioms sparingly (not very often) and naturally. If one comes to mind, use it. You don’t need to go out of your way to use idioms, though. Take your time and they’ll come to you naturally. The best way to find new idioms is to read English articles and books and listen to native English speakers either in everyday conversation or on television or radio broadcasts. You can find plenty of examples of idioms in use naturally on the FluentU language learnin...
Use idioms to practice animal vocabulary
Idioms are a fun way to practice and expand your English vocabulary. When you begin to cover animal names, you may feel that some of the vocabulary isn’t relevant to the English you’ll use in everyday life. Make your study time relevant and interesting by learning some animal idioms. You’ll find that many of these idioms have little meaning or relation to the animals themselves. Remember, idioms often don’t have literal meanings at all—they only have figurative meanings. These idioms may be c...
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen until it actually does. In a Sentence: I was confident I’d win the lottery, but now I realize I shouldn’t count my chickens before they hatch.
- Like a bull in a china shop. Meaning: Someone is clumsy or reckless and likely to cause damage or chaos. In a Sentence: When Tom tried to fix the delicate vase, he handled it like a bull in a china shop, and now it’s shattered.
- Go hog wild. Meaning: To do something with great enthusiasm or abandon. In a Sentence: At the concert, the crowd went hog wild as their favorite band took the stage.
- In a pig’s eye. Meaning: No, definitely not. In a Sentence: Bob asked for a promotion, but in a pig’s eye, he was getting it with his recent performance.
Nov 7, 2024 · Animal idioms add color and vitality to the English language, drawing from the characteristics and behaviors of various creatures to express complex human situations and emotions. These expressions have evolved over centuries, becoming deeply embedded in everyday communication while reflecting cultural observations and wisdom. Common Categories of Animal Idioms Bird-Related Expressions The ...
- Hold your horses. Meaning: To be patient or wait. Example: Hold your horses! We’ll be there in a minute.
- Cry over spilled milk. Meaning: To lament something that has already happened and cannot be changed. Example: There’s no use crying over spilled milk; let’s find a solution.
- Curiosity killed the cat. Meaning: Being too inquisitive or prying can lead to trouble. Example: I wouldn’t ask too many questions; remember, curiosity killed the cat.
- Let the cat out of the bag. Meaning: To reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept confidential. Example: John accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Nov 21, 2023 · 12. “Killing Two Birds with One Stone”. Idiom: Killing Two Birds with One Stone. Meaning: To accomplish two different tasks in a single action, efficiently solving two problems. Use in a Sentence: By studying while I commute, I’m killing two birds with one stone. 13. “Ants in Your Pants”. Idiom: Ants in Your Pants.
People also ask
What are some animal idioms?
How many idioms are there with animals?
How can animal idioms help you learn English?
What is an example of a dog idiom?
What makes animal idioms relatable and memorable?
What is an example of an idiom?
Here are forty idioms with animals: Raining cats and dogs: Refers to heavy rainfall. Example: We had to cancel the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs. Have a cow: Become upset or angry. Example: Don’t have a cow, but I accidentally spilled coffee on your shirt. Little birdy: Someone who shares a secret.
