{"id":152463,"date":"2024-02-05T01:29:02","date_gmt":"2024-02-05T06:29:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/english-animal-idioms\/"},"modified":"2025-02-04T09:39:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T14:39:21","slug":"english-animal-idioms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/english\/english-animal-idioms\/","title":{"rendered":"34 Common Animal Idioms in English"},"content":{"rendered":"

Idioms<\/a> are a type of\u00a0figurative<\/strong> expression\u2014where the meaning has no relation to the words in<\/em> the phrase. They use creative descriptions to share an idea or feeling. The only way to learn them is to hear them and have the meaning explained to you.<\/p>\n

So here are 34 animal idioms that native speakers often use, to improve your English skills even further.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. At a snail\u2019s pace<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong>\u00a0Moving very slowly<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/a><\/p>\n

This idiom is pretty self-explanatory because we know that snails and slugs move very slowly.<\/p>\n

This idiom has been used for a very long time. The phrase is found in William Shakespeare\u2019s play “Richard III,”<\/a>\u00a0which was written and first performed in 16th century England.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> Traffic is moving at a snail\u2019s pace.<\/p>\n

2. Busy as a bee<\/h2>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Extremely busy<\/p>\n

\"Bees<\/a><\/p>\n

This idiom originated from Chaucer\u2019s “Canterbury Tales”<\/a>\u00a0(specifically, “The Squire\u2019s Tale”) which was written around 1386. The English is very old, but the phrase remains popular to this day.<\/p>\n

\u201cLo, suche sleightes and subtilitees
\nIn wommen be, for ay as busy as bees<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

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 manner.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> My son is working on his science project. He\u2019s been as busy as a bee all day.<\/p>\n

3. Open a can of worms<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong>\u00a0Create a whole new set of problems<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Some also believe that \u201ccan of worms\u201d is a modern version of the idiom, \u201cPandora\u2019s box.\u201d Pandora\u2019s box comes from an old myth<\/a>, and it also means to\u00a0create a new set of problems.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> You\u2019ve opened a real can of worms here.<\/p>\n

4. Wild goose chase<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Chasing something that’s very difficult (or impossible) to catch<\/p>\n

\"Man<\/a><\/p>\n

Imagine chasing a wild goose around and trying to catch it. Geese are fast, strong and awkward animals\u2014catching one would probably be very hard, and it would also look very silly!<\/p>\n

While many use the idiom \u201cwild goose chase\u201d to describe something that\u2019s hard to catch, it’s also used to describe a chase that takes the pursuer in a lot of different directions.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> You\u2019re taking me on a wild goose chase, will you just give me an exact address where I should go?<\/p>\n

5. The world is your oyster<\/h2>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>You have many good opportunities in front of you<\/p>\n

\"plate<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not easy to open an oyster. Finding opportunities in the world is like opening an oyster, meaning it\u2019s not easy.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, when you open an oyster, you\u2019ll find a pearl. When you say that \u201cthe world is your oyster,\u201d you have a positive outlook about the opportunities in front of you. If you have an oyster in your hands, it could contain a beautiful treasure that belongs completely to you.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong>\u00a0You just graduated from a wonderful university, so the world is your oyster!<\/p>\n

6. Watching like a hawk<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Watching something very, very, closely<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Children often hear this idiom from a parent or other caregiver, \u201cI\u2019m watching you like a hawk.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s often used to make sure that someone or something doesn\u2019t misbehave or make a mistake.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> The boss watches us like a hawk.<\/p>\n

7. Mad as a hornet<\/h2>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Very angry, or furious<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

A hornet is a type of wasp. When it gets angry, it can do a lot of damage, cause pain and generally be dangerous. If someone is saying that they’re as mad as a hornet, then they’re warning you to look out.<\/p>\n

While the term \u201cmad as a hornet\u201d is popular in the United States, other English-speaking countries and cultures often say something similar.<\/p>\n

In the Southern region of the United States where farming was (and in some places still is) a major industry, people used to say the idiom \u201cmad as a wet hen,\u201d describing the anger a hen would have if you stole her eggs.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> Mom was as mad as a hornet when we broke the mirror.<\/p>\n

8. Dog eat dog<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Very competitive<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

When you use this idiom, you’re saying that the competition is so stiff (intense) that people will do anything to get ahead, even if it means hurting someone. “Dog eat dog” may be used to describe a situation, a school, a company or an industry.<\/p>\n

The exact origin varies. It may have come from similar phrases used in English writings from a long time ago. For example, one similar phrase was used in a 16th century Latin proverb which says \u201cdog does not eat dog.\u201d<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> It\u2019s a dog eat dog world out there.<\/p>\n

9. Eagle eyes<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong>\u00a0Have excellent vision, or watching something very closely, not missing a detail<\/p>\n

\"Eagle<\/a><\/p>\n

This animal idiom is\u00a0similar to \u201cwatching like a hawk,\u201d but when someone says \u201ceagle eye,\u201d they may not be referring to catching someone in the act of doing something wrong.<\/p>\n

If you have an eagle eye, it means that nothing gets past you because you are very focused on details.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> The teacher goes over the tests with an eagle eye.<\/p>\n

10. Get your ducks in a row<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong>\u00a0Organize things<\/p>\n

\"Baby<\/a><\/p>\n

When baby ducks walk behind their mother, they’re often in a straight line or \u201cin a row.\u201d<\/p>\n

If someone is telling you to \u201cget your ducks in a row,\u201d it means to straighten up and it usually refers to a project or task.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> I\u2019ll be reviewing things to make sure you have your ducks in a row.<\/p>\n

11. Guinea pig<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Test subject<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

If someone or something is being used as a \u201cguinea pig,\u201d they’re being used as a test subject. It can be figuratively or literally.<\/p>\n

The origin of the phrase likely comes from the practice of animal testing, as guinea pigs are small rodents similar to mice and rats.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> We\u2019re conducting a study and we\u2019re looking for volunteers to act as guinea pigs.<\/p>\n

12. Hold your horses<\/h2>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Slow down, stop<\/p>\n

\"close<\/a><\/p>\n

Have you ever seen an old Western movie where the cowboy pulls back on the horse’s rein to slow down or stop? That\u2019s the image in mind with this idiom. Also, if someone says \u201chold your horses,\u201d they’re also telling you to \u201cwait a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> Hold your horses! There\u2019s no need to rush.<\/p>\n

13. I\u2019ll be a monkey\u2019s uncle<\/h2>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>I’m\u00a0very surprised<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

This idiom is used as a complete phrase. People often use this when something happens that they didn\u2019t expect.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s used in a lighthearted or comical way. Another idiom, \u201cyou could have knocked me over with a feather\u201d has a similar meaning.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> Well, I\u2019ll be a monkey\u2019s uncle. I never thought I\u2019d pass that test.<\/p>\n

14. Let sleeping dogs lie<\/h2>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Leave it alone, leave something in peace<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find that dogs show up in a lot of English idioms, as they’re very common to our culture.<\/p>\n

When someone tells you to \u201clet sleeping dogs lie,\u201d they\u2019re telling you to let things be. Often, you\u2019re in a situation that you can\u2019t change, so you should just leave it alone and in peace, like a sleeping dog.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also used to tell someone to stay out of a situation that\u2019s none of their business.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> I\u2019m not telling the boss about Mark\u2019s problem, it\u2019s best to let sleeping dogs lie.<\/p>\n

15. Pet peeve<\/h2>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Common annoyance, something that’s specifically annoying to you<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s usually not a major problem, they just wish it wouldn\u2019t happen. Often it refers to a common habit that people around them do.<\/p>\n

Pet peeves vary from person to person. What bothers one may not bother another. That\u2019s the meaning of \u201cpet peeve,\u201d it\u2019s your personal annoyance.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> I hate when people don\u2019t put things back where they belong, it\u2019s a pet peeve of mine.<\/p>\n

16. Pick of the litter<\/h2>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>The best choice, or your favorite option<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

If you have the \u201cpick of the litter\u201d then you have the top choice, or you can get the best in the group.<\/p>\n

This phrase goes back to the early 1900s. When dogs or cats produce offspring, the puppies or kittens are called a \u201clitter.\u201d To give someone the pick of the litter, you’re offering the best puppy or kitten.<\/p>\n

Variations of this phrase include \u201cpick of the basket\u201d and \u201cpick of the market.\u201d<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> All the boys want to take her on a date, she can have the pick of the litter.<\/p>\n

17. Puppy love<\/h2>\n

Meaning: <\/strong>Feelings of love or affection, usually innocent and temporary, occurring during childhood or adolescence.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Other English-speaking cultures may have their variations, such as \u201ccalf love.\u201d They often compare the love of children to young animals.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> I had a crush on my next door neighbor, but that was just puppy love.<\/p>\n

18. Like shooting fish in a barrel<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Very easy to catch or trick<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It can also mean a very easy task. This idiom goes back to the early 1900s. Think of how easy it would be to shoot fish in a barrel. It\u2019s a given.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> I\u2019m an expert in auto repair, fixing this is like shooting fish in a barrel.<\/p>\n

19. A little bird told me<\/h2>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>Somebody secretly told me<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

When someone says \u201ca little bird told me,\u201d it\u2019s a lighthearted way of saying that they learned a secret but they\u2019re not telling the source. This is a comical or humorous phrase.<\/p>\n

The origin of this phrase may come from a time when birds were used to deliver messages. The bird has the message for you, but you don\u2019t know where it came from.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> I heard you were accepted to Harvard, a little bird told me!<\/p>\n

20. Bull in a china shop<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong> Very clumsy person<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In English-speaking cultures, “china” or “fine china” is used to describe porcelain dishes or other very delicate dishes. A bull is a large and reckless animal. Combine china and a bull, and you\u2019re setting up a disaster.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> He was like a bull in a china shop, he completely messed everything up.<\/p>\n

21. Butterflies in one\u2019s stomach<\/h2>\n

\"Butterflies<\/a><\/p>\n

When you say that you have butterflies in your stomach, you\u2019re saying that you\u2019re very nervous. Sometimes when you get nervous, you get a fluttery feeling in your stomach, similar to the way butterflies flutter around.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> I was so nervous before my speech, I had butterflies in my stomach.<\/p>\n

22. All bark and no bite<\/h2>\n

\"Small<\/a><\/p>\n

Another dog idiom. Dogs of all breeds will bark, but many are harmless.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re saying that someone is all bark and no bite, you\u2019re saying that they give threats but won\u2019t act on them. They may seem scary or intimidating, but they’re totally harmless.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> My boss yells a lot, but he\u2019s all bark and no bite.<\/p>\n

23. Which came first, the chicken or the egg?<\/h2>\n

Meaning:\u00a0<\/strong>A\u00a0question that shows that there may be no right answer<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

This animal question shows up in philosophy discussions. If someone asks this, they want you to think about something more carefully. Philosophers came up with this example to ask where and when the universe began.<\/p>\n

24. Wolf in sheep\u2019s clothing<\/h2>\n

Meaning:<\/strong>\u00a0Something or someone dangerous presenting as\u00a0gentle, weak or innocent<\/p>\n

\"wolf<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Imagine a wolf who is dressed like a sheep as a costume. They may seem like a gentle sheep, but they’re actually quite dangerous.<\/p>\n

This idiom often shows up in fables, but it\u2019s believed to have originated in the Bible. When someone uses this idiom to describe someone, they’re warning you to be careful of someone who seems nice but they really aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> Don\u2019t trust him, he\u2019s a wolf in sheep\u2019s clothing.<\/p>\n

25. You can\u2019t teach an old dog new tricks<\/h2>\n

\"Dog<\/a><\/p>\n

When someone says \u201cyou can\u2019t teach an old dog new tricks,\u201d they\u2019re saying that there\u2019s no point in changing someone\u2019s established routine.<\/p>\n

They may also say that it\u2019s very difficult to teach a new task to someone, almost impossible. This phrase comes from the difficulty of training older dogs.<\/p>\n

Example:<\/strong> My mom won\u2019t learn how to use the computer. I guess you can\u2019t teach an old dog new tricks.<\/p>\n

More Animals Idioms in English<\/h2>\n

Looking for more animal idioms? Here are some great ones to add to your collection:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
English Idiom<\/th>Meaning<\/th>Example<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
The cat's out of the bag <\/a>\n <\/td>A secret has been revealed<\/td>Once the email was accidentally sent to everyone, the cat was out of the bag about the company merger.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cry wolf <\/a>\n <\/td>To give a false alarm or to call for help when you don't need it<\/td>He's known to cry wolf; nobody takes his complaints seriously anymore.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A fish out of water <\/a>\n <\/td>Someone being in a situation that they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with<\/td>He felt like a fish out of water at the new school.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Let the cat out of the bag <\/a>\n <\/td>To reveal a secret, often accidentally<\/td>He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Make a beeline for <\/a>\n <\/td>To go directly towards something<\/td>As soon as he entered the store, he made a beeline for the video games section.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The elephant in the room <\/a>\n <\/td>A big issue or problem that everyone is aware of but no one wants to talk about<\/td>We need to discuss the budget cuts; it's the elephant in the room.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Straight from the horse's mouth <\/a>\n <\/td>Information coming from the most reliable source<\/td>I got the news straight from the horse's mouth; the CEO himself confirmed it.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Until the cows come home <\/a>\n <\/td>For a very long, indefinite amount of time<\/td>You can argue until the cows come home, but it won't change my mind.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kill two birds with one stone <\/a>\n <\/td>To achieve two goals with a single action or effort<\/td>By studying on the train, she can kill two birds with one stone\u2014commute and prepare for her exam.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

Why Do We Use Idioms in English?<\/h2>\n

Why make things harder by using idioms? Well, it\u2019s a fun way to talk! You get to express yourself in a whole new way.<\/p>\n

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 proverbs may focus on different themes or ideas than, say, Australian ones.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Your native tongue probably has some idioms as well. Can you think of any?<\/p>\n

How to Use English Idioms<\/h2>\n

You can use idioms anytime you want, but you need to be careful. Only use idioms when you\u2019re certain of the meaning<\/strong> and the context<\/strong>. Also, since idioms can express strong emotions, make sure that the idiom you choose expresses the\u00a0idea that you want to say.<\/p>\n

The best way to sound natural is to use idioms sparingly<\/strong> (not very often) and naturally<\/strong>. If one comes to mind, use it. You don\u2019t need to go out of your way to use idioms, though. Take your time and they’ll come to you naturally.<\/p>\n

The best way to find new idioms is to read English articles and books<\/a> and listen to native English speakers<\/a> 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 learning program<\/a>.

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

<\/p> \r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n \"FluentU\r\n

\r\n