{"id":12019,"date":"2022-12-07T20:23:46","date_gmt":"2022-12-08T03:23:46","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-07-01T22:40:32","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T05:40:32","slug":"animal-idioms-in-english","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/animal-idioms-in-english\/","title":{"rendered":"Animal idioms in English"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"words-head\" id=\"words-3194869287\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5017566440575750\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5017566440575750\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3340569236\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Animal idioms<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>English is full of colorful expressions, and <strong>animal idioms<\/strong> are some of the most vivid and fun. From cats and dogs to lions and elephants, animals have crept into our language to describe <strong>emotions, behaviors, and situations<\/strong> often with a humorous twist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">What is an Idiom?<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/category\/idioms\/\">idiom<\/a><\/strong> is a group of words whose meaning is <strong>different from the literal meanings<\/strong> of the individual words. Idioms add flavor to your speech and help you <strong>sound more natural and expressive<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">List of Common Animal idioms with Meaning and Example Sentence<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table  class=\"has-fixed-layout table table-hover\" ><thead><tr><th><strong>Idiom<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Meaning<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Example Sentence<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>800-pound gorilla<\/strong><\/td><td>A dominant or overwhelming force<\/td><td>Google is the&nbsp;<strong>800-pound gorilla<\/strong>&nbsp;in the tech industry.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>A barking dog seldom bites<\/strong><\/td><td>People who threaten often don\u2019t act<\/td><td>He yells a lot, but&nbsp;<strong>a barking dog seldom bites<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>A bull market<\/strong><\/td><td>A period of rising stock prices<\/td><td>Investors profit during&nbsp;<strong>a bull market<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>A cat gets one\u2019s tongue<\/strong><\/td><td>Too shy to speak<\/td><td>Why so quiet? Has&nbsp;<strong>a cat got your tongue<\/strong>?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>A fish out of water<\/strong><\/td><td>Someone in an uncomfortable situation<\/td><td>At the formal event, he felt like&nbsp;<strong>a fish out of water<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>A fly on the wall<\/strong><\/td><td>An unnoticed observer<\/td><td>I\u2019d love to be&nbsp;<strong>a fly on the wall<\/strong>&nbsp;in their meeting.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>A paper tiger<\/strong><\/td><td>Something that seems strong but is weak<\/td><td>The rival company is just&nbsp;<strong>a paper tiger<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Albatross around your neck<\/strong><\/td><td>A heavy burden<\/td><td>His debt is an&nbsp;<strong>albatross around his neck<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>All bark and no bite<\/strong><\/td><td>Threatens but doesn\u2019t act<\/td><td>She complains a lot but is&nbsp;<strong>all bark and no bite<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>An alley cat<\/strong><\/td><td>A tough stray (person or animal)<\/td><td>He lived like&nbsp;<strong>an alley cat<\/strong>, always on the streets.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Angry as a bear<\/strong><\/td><td>Very angry<\/td><td>When he lost, he was&nbsp;<strong>angry as a bear<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Angry as a bull<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely furious<\/td><td>She was&nbsp;<strong>angry as a bull<\/strong>&nbsp;when she saw the mess.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ants in one\u2019s pants<\/strong><\/td><td>Restless or fidgety<\/td><td>The kids had&nbsp;<strong>ants in their pants<\/strong>&nbsp;before the trip.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>As mad as a wrongly shot hog<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely angry<\/td><td>He was&nbsp;<strong>as mad as a wrongly shot hog<\/strong>&nbsp;when he found out.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>As poor as a church mouse<\/strong><\/td><td>Very poor<\/td><td>After losing his job, he was&nbsp;<strong>as poor as a church mouse<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>As rare as hen\u2019s teeth<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely rare<\/td><td>Honest politicians are&nbsp;<strong>as rare as hen\u2019s teeth<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>As the crow flies<\/strong><\/td><td>In a straight line<\/td><td>The town is 10 miles away&nbsp;<strong>as the crow flies<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>At a snail\u2019s pace<\/strong><\/td><td>Very slowly<\/td><td>Traffic moved&nbsp;<strong>at a snail\u2019s pace<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Back the wrong horse<\/strong><\/td><td>Support a losing side<\/td><td>He&nbsp;<strong>backed the wrong horse<\/strong>&nbsp;in the election.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Barking up the wrong tree<\/strong><\/td><td>Accusing the wrong person<\/td><td>If you think I did it, you\u2019re&nbsp;<strong>barking up the wrong tree<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bats in the belfry<\/strong><\/td><td>Crazy or eccentric<\/td><td>He must have&nbsp;<strong>bats in the belfry<\/strong>&nbsp;to believe that.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Be on the pig\u2019s back<\/strong><\/td><td>In a lucky situation<\/td><td>After his promotion, he was&nbsp;<strong>on the pig\u2019s back<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bear market<\/strong><\/td><td>Falling stock prices<\/td><td>Investors panic during a&nbsp;<strong>bear market<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Beard the lion in his own den<\/strong><\/td><td>Confront someone powerful<\/td><td>He had to&nbsp;<strong>beard the lion in his own den<\/strong>&nbsp;to get answers.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Beating a dead horse<\/strong><\/td><td>Wasting effort on a lost cause<\/td><td>Arguing is just&nbsp;<strong>beating a dead horse<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bee in your bonnet<\/strong><\/td><td>Obsessed with an idea<\/td><td>She\u2019s got a&nbsp;<strong>bee in her bonnet<\/strong>&nbsp;about fitness.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bee\u2019s knees<\/strong><\/td><td>Excellent<\/td><td>This new phone is the&nbsp;<strong>bee\u2019s knees<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Beeline for<\/strong><\/td><td>Go straight toward<\/td><td>She made a&nbsp;<strong>beeline for<\/strong>&nbsp;the dessert table.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bell the cat<\/strong><\/td><td>Take a dangerous risk<\/td><td>Who will&nbsp;<strong>bell the cat<\/strong>&nbsp;and confront the boss?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Big fish<\/strong><\/td><td>An important person<\/td><td>In Hollywood, he\u2019s a&nbsp;<strong>big fish<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Big fish in a small pond<\/strong><\/td><td>Important in a limited area<\/td><td>He\u2019s a&nbsp;<strong>big fish in a small pond<\/strong>&nbsp;at his local firm.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bigger fish to fry<\/strong><\/td><td>More important things to do<\/td><td>I\u2019ve got&nbsp;<strong>bigger fish to fry<\/strong>&nbsp;than this minor issue.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Black cat crossing your path<\/strong><\/td><td>Bad luck (superstition)<\/td><td>She panicked when a&nbsp;<strong>black cat crossed her path<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Black sheep<\/strong><\/td><td>A disreputable family member<\/td><td>He\u2019s the&nbsp;<strong>black sheep<\/strong>&nbsp;of the family.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Blind as a bat<\/strong><\/td><td>Very poor eyesight<\/td><td>Without glasses, I\u2019m&nbsp;<strong>blind as a bat<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Break the back of the beast<\/strong><\/td><td>Overcome a major challenge<\/td><td>We&nbsp;<strong>broke the back of the beast<\/strong>&nbsp;and finished the project.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bull in a china shop<\/strong><\/td><td>Clumsy or reckless<\/td><td>He barged in like a&nbsp;<strong>bull in a china shop<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bull market<\/strong><\/td><td>Rising stock prices<\/td><td>The&nbsp;<strong>bull market<\/strong>&nbsp;made investors rich.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bull session<\/strong><\/td><td>Informal discussion<\/td><td>We had a long&nbsp;<strong>bull session<\/strong>&nbsp;about politics.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bull-headed<\/strong><\/td><td>Stubborn<\/td><td>He\u2019s too&nbsp;<strong>bull-headed<\/strong>&nbsp;to admit he\u2019s wrong.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bullish<\/strong><\/td><td>Optimistic (finance)<\/td><td>Traders are&nbsp;<strong>bullish<\/strong>&nbsp;about the economy.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Busy as a beaver<\/strong><\/td><td>Very hardworking<\/td><td>She\u2019s been&nbsp;<strong>busy as a beaver<\/strong>&nbsp;preparing for the event.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Busy as a bee<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely active or occupied<\/td><td>He\u2019s always&nbsp;<strong>busy as a bee<\/strong>&nbsp;with his projects.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Butterflies in one\u2019s stomach<\/strong><\/td><td>Nervousness<\/td><td>Before the interview, I had&nbsp;<strong>butterflies in my stomach<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>By a whisker<\/strong><\/td><td>Very narrowly<\/td><td>He won the race&nbsp;<strong>by a whisker<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Calf lick<\/strong><\/td><td>A stubborn cowlick (hair)<\/td><td>No matter how I comb it, this&nbsp;<strong>calf lick<\/strong>&nbsp;won\u2019t stay down.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Call the dogs off<\/strong><\/td><td>Stop pressuring or attacking<\/td><td>The boss finally&nbsp;<strong>called the dogs off<\/strong>&nbsp;and let us relax.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Camel\u2019s nose<\/strong><\/td><td>A small problem leading to bigger ones<\/td><td>Allowing overtime was the&nbsp;<strong>camel\u2019s nose<\/strong>\u2014now everyone works late.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Can of worms<\/strong><\/td><td>A complicated issue<\/td><td>Changing the policy opened a&nbsp;<strong>can of worms<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Canary in a coal mine<\/strong><\/td><td>An early warning sign<\/td><td>Rising prices are the&nbsp;<strong>canary in a coal mine<\/strong>&nbsp;for inflation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cash cow<\/strong><\/td><td>A profitable business<\/td><td>That product is the company\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>cash cow<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cast pearls before swine<\/strong><\/td><td>Waste something valuable on the unappreciative<\/td><td>Explaining poetry to him is like&nbsp;<strong>casting pearls before swine<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cast sheep\u2019s eyes at<\/strong><\/td><td>Look at someone romantically<\/td><td>He kept&nbsp;<strong>casting sheep\u2019s eyes at<\/strong>&nbsp;her during dinner.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cat among the pigeons<\/strong><\/td><td>Causing trouble<\/td><td>His sudden resignation was a&nbsp;<strong>cat among the pigeons<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cat and dog life<\/strong><\/td><td>Constant arguing<\/td><td>They lead a&nbsp;<strong>cat and dog life<\/strong>, always fighting.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cat and mouse<\/strong><\/td><td>A chase or evasion game<\/td><td>The spy played&nbsp;<strong>cat and mouse<\/strong>&nbsp;with the agents.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cat got your tongue?<\/strong><\/td><td>Why are you silent?<\/td><td>You\u2019re not answering\u2014<strong>cat got your tongue?<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cat nap<\/strong><\/td><td>A short sleep<\/td><td>I took a&nbsp;<strong>cat nap<\/strong>&nbsp;before the meeting.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cat\u2019s pajamas<\/strong><\/td><td>Something excellent<\/td><td>This new gadget is the&nbsp;<strong>cat\u2019s pajamas<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cat\u2019s whiskers<\/strong><\/td><td>Outstanding (similar to &#8220;bee\u2019s knees&#8221;)<\/td><td>Her design skills are the&nbsp;<strong>cat\u2019s whiskers<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cats and dogs<\/strong><\/td><td>Heavy rain<\/td><td>It\u2019s raining&nbsp;<strong>cats and dogs<\/strong>&nbsp;outside!<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cat\u2019s meow<\/strong><\/td><td>Something impressive<\/td><td>That vintage car is the&nbsp;<strong>cat\u2019s meow<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Change horses in midstream<\/strong><\/td><td>Switch plans at a bad time<\/td><td>We can\u2019t&nbsp;<strong>change horses in midstream<\/strong>\u2014stick to the strategy.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Charley horse<\/strong><\/td><td>A leg cramp<\/td><td>I got a&nbsp;<strong>Charley horse<\/strong>&nbsp;while running.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Chickenfeed<\/strong><\/td><td>A trivial amount of money<\/td><td>The bonus was just&nbsp;<strong>chickenfeed<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cloud cuckoo land<\/strong><\/td><td>A delusional fantasy<\/td><td>If he thinks he\u2019ll win, he\u2019s in&nbsp;<strong>cloud cuckoo land<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cock and bull story<\/strong><\/td><td>An unbelievable lie<\/td><td>His excuse was a&nbsp;<strong>cock and bull story<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cock in the henhouse<\/strong><\/td><td>A disruptive presence<\/td><td>Hiring him was like putting a&nbsp;<strong>cock in the henhouse<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cock of the walk<\/strong><\/td><td>A domineering leader<\/td><td>He struts around like the&nbsp;<strong>cock of the walk<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cold fish<\/strong><\/td><td>An unemotional person<\/td><td>She\u2019s a&nbsp;<strong>cold fish<\/strong>\u2014she never shows affection.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cold turkey<\/strong><\/td><td>Quit something abruptly<\/td><td>He quit smoking&nbsp;<strong>cold turkey<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Come out of your shell<\/strong><\/td><td>Become less shy<\/td><td>She finally&nbsp;<strong>came out of her shell<\/strong>&nbsp;at the party.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Constitution of an ox<\/strong><\/td><td>Very strong health<\/td><td>Despite his age, he has the&nbsp;<strong>constitution of an ox<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cook someone\u2019s goose<\/strong><\/td><td>Ruin their plans<\/td><td>His betrayal&nbsp;<strong>cooked his goose<\/strong>&nbsp;with the team.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cool as a cat<\/strong><\/td><td>Calm and composed<\/td><td>Even in chaos, he stays&nbsp;<strong>cool as a cat<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Copycat<\/strong><\/td><td>Someone who imitates<\/td><td>Stop being a&nbsp;<strong>copycat<\/strong>&nbsp;and think for yourself.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Could eat a horse<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely hungry<\/td><td>After hiking, I&nbsp;<strong>could eat a horse<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Count sheep<\/strong><\/td><td>Try to fall asleep<\/td><td>I was&nbsp;<strong>counting sheep<\/strong>&nbsp;all night.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Creature comforts<\/strong><\/td><td>Basic luxuries<\/td><td>After camping, I missed my&nbsp;<strong>creature comforts<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Crickets<\/strong><\/td><td>Silence or no response<\/td><td>When I asked for volunteers, there were&nbsp;<strong>crickets<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Crocodile tears<\/strong><\/td><td>Fake sadness<\/td><td>She shed&nbsp;<strong>crocodile tears<\/strong>&nbsp;at his apology.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Crooked as a dog\u2019s hind leg<\/strong><\/td><td>Dishonest<\/td><td>That politician is&nbsp;<strong>crooked as a dog\u2019s hind leg<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cry wolf<\/strong><\/td><td>Give false alarms<\/td><td>If you keep&nbsp;<strong>crying wolf<\/strong>, no one will believe you when it\u2019s serious.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cuckoo in the nest<\/strong><\/td><td>A disruptive outsider<\/td><td>The new manager was seen as a&nbsp;<strong>cuckoo in the nest<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Curiosity killed the cat<\/strong><\/td><td>Being too nosy can be dangerous<\/td><td>Don\u2019t pry into her secrets\u2014<strong>curiosity killed the cat<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cute as a bug<\/strong><\/td><td>Very adorable<\/td><td>Your puppy is&nbsp;<strong>cute as a bug<\/strong>!<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dark horse<\/strong><\/td><td>An unexpected winner<\/td><td>She was a&nbsp;<strong>dark horse<\/strong>&nbsp;in the competition.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dead as a dodo<\/strong><\/td><td>Completely obsolete<\/td><td>Floppy disks are&nbsp;<strong>dead as a dodo<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dead cat bounce<\/strong><\/td><td>A temporary recovery (finance)<\/td><td>The stock\u2019s rise was just a&nbsp;<strong>dead cat bounce<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dead duck<\/strong><\/td><td>A hopeless situation<\/td><td>Without funding, the project is a&nbsp;<strong>dead duck<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Deer in the headlights<\/strong><\/td><td>Frozen in fear<\/td><td>When asked to speak, he looked like a&nbsp;<strong>deer in the headlights<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dinosaur<\/strong><\/td><td>Outdated person\/thing<\/td><td>His flip phone makes him a&nbsp;<strong>dinosaur<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dirty dog<\/strong><\/td><td>A deceitful person<\/td><td>That&nbsp;<strong>dirty dog<\/strong>&nbsp;stole my idea!<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dog and pony show<\/strong><\/td><td>A flashy presentation<\/td><td>The CEO\u2019s speech was just a&nbsp;<strong>dog and pony show<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dog days<\/strong><\/td><td>Hot, lazy summer days<\/td><td>We\u2019re sweating through the&nbsp;<strong>dog days<\/strong>&nbsp;of August.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dog eat dog<\/strong><\/td><td>Ruthless competition<\/td><td>The business world is&nbsp;<strong>dog eat dog<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dog in the manger<\/strong><\/td><td>Someone who hoards uselessly<\/td><td>Don\u2019t be a&nbsp;<strong>dog in the manger<\/strong>\u2014share the tools!<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dog tired<\/strong><\/td><td>Exhausted<\/td><td>After the marathon, I was&nbsp;<strong>dog tired<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dog\u2019s dinner<\/strong><\/td><td>A mess<\/td><td>He made a&nbsp;<strong>dog\u2019s dinner<\/strong>&nbsp;of the presentation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dog\u2019s life<\/strong><\/td><td>A miserable existence<\/td><td>Working two jobs is a&nbsp;<strong>dog\u2019s life<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dog-eared<\/strong><\/td><td>Worn (like a book\u2019s corners)<\/td><td>My favorite novel is&nbsp;<strong>dog-eared<\/strong>&nbsp;from rereading.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dog-eat-dog world<\/strong><\/td><td>A fiercely competitive environment<\/td><td>Politics is a&nbsp;<strong>dog-eat-dog world<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Doggy bag<\/strong><\/td><td>Leftovers taken from a restaurant<\/td><td>Can we get a&nbsp;<strong>doggy bag<\/strong>&nbsp;for this pizza?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Donkey work<\/strong><\/td><td>Hard, boring labor<\/td><td>Interns often do the&nbsp;<strong>donkey work<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Donkey\u2019s years<\/strong><\/td><td>A very long time<\/td><td>I haven\u2019t seen her in&nbsp;<strong>donkey\u2019s years<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Drink like a fish<\/strong><\/td><td>Drink alcohol excessively<\/td><td>At parties, he&nbsp;<strong>drinks like a fish<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Drop like flies<\/strong><\/td><td>Fail\/collapse rapidly<\/td><td>Employees are&nbsp;<strong>dropping like flies<\/strong>&nbsp;from burnout.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Duck to water<\/strong><\/td><td>Adapt easily<\/td><td>She took to skiing like a&nbsp;<strong>duck to water<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ducks in a row<\/strong><\/td><td>Well-organized<\/td><td>Get your&nbsp;<strong>ducks in a row<\/strong>&nbsp;before the meeting.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eager beaver<\/strong><\/td><td>An overly enthusiastic person<\/td><td>The new intern is an&nbsp;<strong>eager beaver<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eagle eyes<\/strong><\/td><td>Keen observation<\/td><td>The editor spotted errors with her&nbsp;<strong>eagle eyes<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eat crow<\/strong><\/td><td>Admit a humiliating mistake<\/td><td>After his prediction failed, he had to&nbsp;<strong>eat crow<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eat like a bird<\/strong><\/td><td>Eat very little<\/td><td>She&nbsp;<strong>eats like a bird<\/strong>\u2014just a salad for lunch.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eat like a horse<\/strong><\/td><td>Eat a lot<\/td><td>Teenage boys&nbsp;<strong>eat like horses<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eat like a pig<\/strong><\/td><td>Eat messily\/gluttonously<\/td><td>He&nbsp;<strong>ate like a pig<\/strong>&nbsp;at the buffet.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Elephant in the room<\/strong><\/td><td>An obvious, ignored problem<\/td><td>His drinking is the&nbsp;<strong>elephant in the room<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Enough to cobble dogs with<\/strong><\/td><td>An excessive amount<\/td><td>She has shoes&nbsp;<strong>enough to cobble dogs with<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Even the dogs in the street know<\/strong><\/td><td>Common knowledge<\/td><td><strong>Even the dogs in the street know<\/strong>&nbsp;he\u2019s lying.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Every ass likes to hear himself bray<\/strong><\/td><td>People enjoy talking about themselves<\/td><td>He won\u2019t stop bragging\u2014<strong>every ass likes to hear himself bray<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Every dog has its day<\/strong><\/td><td>Everyone gets success eventually<\/td><td>Don\u2019t give up\u2014<strong>every dog has its day<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fat cat<\/strong><\/td><td>A wealthy, powerful person<\/td><td>Corporate&nbsp;<strong>fat cats<\/strong>&nbsp;ignore workers\u2019 struggles.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Feather your own nest<\/strong><\/td><td>Enrich yourself selfishly<\/td><td>Politicians often&nbsp;<strong>feather their own nests<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Feathers fly<\/strong><\/td><td>A fierce argument<\/td><td>When they debated,&nbsp;<strong>feathers flew<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fight like Kilkenny cats<\/strong><\/td><td>Fight viciously<\/td><td>The siblings&nbsp;<strong>fought like Kilkenny cats<\/strong>&nbsp;over the inheritance.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fine as frog&#8217;s hair<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely fine or delicate (also meaning &#8220;rare&#8221;)<\/td><td>This silk is&nbsp;<strong>fine as frog&#8217;s hair<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fish or cut bait<\/strong><\/td><td>Decide to act or step aside<\/td><td>It&#8217;s time to&nbsp;<strong>fish or cut bait<\/strong>\u2014commit or quit.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fish out of water<\/strong><\/td><td>Someone in an uncomfortable situation<\/td><td>At the formal gala, Jake felt like a&nbsp;<strong>fish out of water<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fishy<\/strong><\/td><td>Suspicious<\/td><td>His excuse sounds&nbsp;<strong>fishy<\/strong>&nbsp;to me.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fit as a butcher&#8217;s dog<\/strong><\/td><td>Very healthy and strong<\/td><td>After training, he&#8217;s&nbsp;<strong>fit as a butcher&#8217;s dog<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Flash as a rat with a gold tooth<\/strong><\/td><td>Tackily showy<\/td><td>His new watch is&nbsp;<strong>flash as a rat with a gold tooth<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Flat out like a lizard drinking<\/strong><\/td><td>Working very hard<\/td><td>We&#8217;ve been&nbsp;<strong>flat out like a lizard drinking<\/strong>&nbsp;to meet the deadline.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Flip someone the bird<\/strong><\/td><td>Make a rude gesture<\/td><td>He&nbsp;<strong>flipped the bird<\/strong>&nbsp;to the driver who cut him off.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Flogging a dead horse<\/strong><\/td><td>Wasting effort on a lost cause<\/td><td>Arguing about it is just&nbsp;<strong>flogging a dead horse<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fly in the ointment<\/strong><\/td><td>A small problem that ruins something<\/td><td>The rain was the&nbsp;<strong>fly in the ointment<\/strong>&nbsp;at the picnic.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fly on the wall<\/strong><\/td><td>An unnoticed observer<\/td><td>I&#8217;d love to be a&nbsp;<strong>fly on the wall<\/strong>&nbsp;in their meeting.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fly the coop<\/strong><\/td><td>Escape or leave suddenly<\/td><td>The prisoner&nbsp;<strong>flew the coop<\/strong>&nbsp;during the night.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>For donkey&#8217;s years<\/strong><\/td><td>For a very long time<\/td><td>They&#8217;ve lived here&nbsp;<strong>for donkey&#8217;s years<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>For the birds<\/strong><\/td><td>Worthless or unimportant<\/td><td>This meeting is&nbsp;<strong>for the birds<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fox in the henhouse<\/strong><\/td><td>A dangerous intruder<\/td><td>Hiring him was like putting a&nbsp;<strong>fox in the henhouse<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Frog strangler<\/strong><\/td><td>A heavy rainstorm<\/td><td>We got caught in a real&nbsp;<strong>frog strangler<\/strong>&nbsp;yesterday.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>From the horse&#8217;s mouth<\/strong><\/td><td>Directly from the source<\/td><td>I heard it&nbsp;<strong>straight from the horse&#8217;s mouth<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Full as a tick<\/strong><\/td><td>Completely full (after eating)<\/td><td>After Thanksgiving dinner, I was&nbsp;<strong>full as a tick<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Get a sheepskin<\/strong><\/td><td>Earn a diploma<\/td><td>She finally&nbsp;<strong>got her sheepskin<\/strong>&nbsp;after four years.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Get off your high horse<\/strong><\/td><td>Stop being arrogant<\/td><td><strong>Get off your high horse<\/strong>&nbsp;and listen to others.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Get one&#8217;s goat<\/strong><\/td><td>Annoy someone<\/td><td>His constant bragging really&nbsp;<strong>gets my goat<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Get the monkey off your back<\/strong><\/td><td>Overcome an addiction\/problem<\/td><td>He finally&nbsp;<strong>got the monkey off his back<\/strong>&nbsp;and quit smoking.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Get your ducks in a row<\/strong><\/td><td>Organize things properly<\/td><td>Let&#8217;s&nbsp;<strong>get our ducks in a row<\/strong>&nbsp;before the presentation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Get your feathers in a bunch<\/strong><\/td><td>Become upset<\/td><td>Don&#8217;t&nbsp;<strong>get your feathers in a bunch<\/strong>&nbsp;over small mistakes.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Give a dog a bad name<\/strong><\/td><td>Damage someone&#8217;s reputation unfairly<\/td><td>Once they&nbsp;<strong>gave him a dog&#8217;s bad name<\/strong>, no one trusted him.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Glory hound<\/strong><\/td><td>Someone who seeks praise<\/td><td>The senator is just a&nbsp;<strong>glory hound<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Go cold turkey<\/strong><\/td><td>Quit something abruptly<\/td><td>She&nbsp;<strong>went cold turkey<\/strong>&nbsp;on caffeine.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Go tell it to birds<\/strong><\/td><td>Express disbelief<\/td><td>You expect me to believe that?&nbsp;<strong>Go tell it to birds!<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Go the whole hog<\/strong><\/td><td>Do something completely<\/td><td>If we&#8217;re renovating, let&#8217;s&nbsp;<strong>go the whole hog<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Go to the dogs<\/strong><\/td><td>Decline in quality<\/td><td>This neighborhood has&nbsp;<strong>gone to the dogs<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gone fishing<\/strong><\/td><td>Not available\/not working<\/td><td>The boss is&nbsp;<strong>gone fishing<\/strong>&nbsp;this week.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Grab the bull by its horns<\/strong><\/td><td>Face a problem directly<\/td><td>She&nbsp;<strong>grabbed the bull by its horns<\/strong>&nbsp;and fixed the issue.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Grease monkey<\/strong><\/td><td>A mechanic (sometimes derogatory)<\/td><td>The&nbsp;<strong>grease monkey<\/strong>&nbsp;fixed my car in no time.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Grin like a Cheshire cat<\/strong><\/td><td>Smile widely and mysteriously<\/td><td>He sat there&nbsp;<strong>grinning like a Cheshire cat<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Guinea pig<\/strong><\/td><td>A test subject<\/td><td>We need a&nbsp;<strong>guinea pig<\/strong>&nbsp;to try this new recipe.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hair of the dog<\/strong><\/td><td>Alcohol to cure a hangover<\/td><td>He had a beer as the&nbsp;<strong>hair of the dog<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hangdog expression<\/strong><\/td><td>A guilty or ashamed look<\/td><td>He wore a&nbsp;<strong>hangdog expression<\/strong>&nbsp;after being caught.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hanged for a sheep as a lamb<\/strong><\/td><td>Risk big punishment for small gain<\/td><td>If I&#8217;m going to be late anyway, I might as well be&nbsp;<strong>hanged for a sheep as a lamb<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Have a cow<\/strong><\/td><td>Overreact angrily<\/td><td>Don&#8217;t&nbsp;<strong>have a cow<\/strong>\u2014it&#8217;s just a small scratch.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hay is for horses<\/strong><\/td><td>A rebuke for saying &#8220;hey&#8221;<\/td><td><strong>&#8220;Hay is for horses,&#8221;<\/strong>&nbsp;the teacher scolded.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Healthy as a horse<\/strong><\/td><td>Very healthy<\/td><td>Despite his age, he&#8217;s&nbsp;<strong>healthy as a horse<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Herding cats<\/strong><\/td><td>Managing something impossible<\/td><td>Organizing the volunteers is like&nbsp;<strong>herding cats<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>High on the hog<\/strong><\/td><td>Living luxuriously<\/td><td>After his promotion, he&#8217;s living&nbsp;<strong>high on the hog<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hive of worker bees<\/strong><\/td><td>A place of busy activity<\/td><td>The office was a&nbsp;<strong>hive of worker bees<\/strong>&nbsp;before the deadline.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hold a candle to<\/strong><\/td><td>Compare unfavorably<\/td><td>No one can&nbsp;<strong>hold a candle to<\/strong>&nbsp;her singing.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hold your horses<\/strong><\/td><td>Wait a minute<\/td><td><strong>Hold your horses<\/strong>\u2014let&#8217;s think before acting.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hornets&#8217; nest<\/strong><\/td><td>A dangerous situation<\/td><td>His comments stirred up a&nbsp;<strong>hornets&#8217; nest<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Horse around<\/strong><\/td><td>Play roughly<\/td><td>Stop&nbsp;<strong>horsing around<\/strong>&nbsp;and get to work.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Horse of a different color<\/strong><\/td><td>A completely different matter<\/td><td>I thought we were discussing the budget, but this is a&nbsp;<strong>horse of a different color<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Horse trading<\/strong><\/td><td>Hard bargaining or negotiation<\/td><td>The contract signing involved a lot of&nbsp;<strong>horse trading<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hound someone<\/strong><\/td><td>Persistently pursue or pester<\/td><td>The bill collectors keep&nbsp;<strong>hounding me<\/strong>&nbsp;for payment.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>How the hog ate the cabbage<\/strong><\/td><td>The plain truth<\/td><td>Let me tell you&nbsp;<strong>how the hog ate the cabbage<\/strong>\u2014we\u2019re broke.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hungry as a bear<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely hungry<\/td><td>After hiking all day, I was&nbsp;<strong>hungry as a bear<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>I\u2019ll be a monkey\u2019s uncle<\/strong><\/td><td>Expression of shock or disbelief<\/td><td><strong>I\u2019ll be a monkey\u2019s uncle<\/strong>\u2014you actually won the lottery?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>In a dog\u2019s age<\/strong><\/td><td>For a very long time<\/td><td>I haven\u2019t seen you&nbsp;<strong>in a dog\u2019s age<\/strong>!<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>In a pig\u2019s eye<\/strong><\/td><td>Not at all (sarcastic disbelief)<\/td><td>You finished the project early?&nbsp;<strong>In a pig\u2019s eye!<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>In donkey\u2019s years<\/strong><\/td><td>For a very long time<\/td><td>I haven\u2019t been to the beach&nbsp;<strong>in donkey\u2019s years<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>In the catbird seat<\/strong><\/td><td>In an advantageous position<\/td><td>After the promotion, she was&nbsp;<strong>in the catbird seat<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>In the doghouse<\/strong><\/td><td>In trouble (usually with a partner)<\/td><td>He forgot their anniversary and is&nbsp;<strong>in the doghouse<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Juggle frogs<\/strong><\/td><td>Manage chaotic tasks<\/td><td>Running this project feels like&nbsp;<strong>juggling frogs<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jump the shark<\/strong><\/td><td>Pass peak quality (decline)<\/td><td>The show&nbsp;<strong>jumped the shark<\/strong>&nbsp;after season 5.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Kangaroo court<\/strong><\/td><td>An unfair, biased trial<\/td><td>The trial was a&nbsp;<strong>kangaroo court<\/strong>&nbsp;with no real justice.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Keep on a short leash<\/strong><\/td><td>Control tightly<\/td><td>The boss&nbsp;<strong>keeps new employees on a short leash<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Keep the wolf at bay<\/strong><\/td><td>Avoid financial ruin<\/td><td>This job barely&nbsp;<strong>keeps the wolf at bay<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Keep the wolf from the door<\/strong><\/td><td>Have enough to survive<\/td><td>Her part-time job&nbsp;<strong>keeps the wolf from the door<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Kettle of fish<\/strong><\/td><td>A complicated situation<\/td><td>The new tax law is a fine&nbsp;<strong>kettle of fish<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Kill the fatted calf<\/strong><\/td><td>Celebrate lavishly<\/td><td>When he returned, they&nbsp;<strong>killed the fatted calf<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Kill two birds with one stone<\/strong><\/td><td>Achieve two goals at once<\/td><td>Cycling to work&nbsp;<strong>kills two birds with one stone<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Knee-high to a grasshopper<\/strong><\/td><td>Very young\/small<\/td><td>I\u2019ve known her since she was&nbsp;<strong>knee-high to a grasshopper<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Know a hawk from a handsaw<\/strong><\/td><td>Be mentally clear<\/td><td>After coffee, I could&nbsp;<strong>know a hawk from a handsaw<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lame duck<\/strong><\/td><td>An ineffective leader<\/td><td>The outgoing mayor is a&nbsp;<strong>lame duck<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lap dog<\/strong><\/td><td>A submissive follower<\/td><td>The senator was just the CEO\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>lap dog<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Leopard can\u2019t change its spots<\/strong><\/td><td>People can\u2019t change their nature<\/td><td>He\u2019ll never quit gambling\u2014<strong>a leopard can\u2019t change its spots<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Let sleeping dogs lie<\/strong><\/td><td>Avoid stirring up old issues<\/td><td>Don\u2019t mention her ex\u2014<strong>let sleeping dogs lie<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Let the cat out of the bag<\/strong><\/td><td>Reveal a secret<\/td><td>She&nbsp;<strong>let the cat out of the bag<\/strong>&nbsp;about the surprise party.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Like shooting fish in a barrel<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely easy<\/td><td>Fixing this bug is&nbsp;<strong>like shooting fish in a barrel<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Like water off a duck\u2019s back<\/strong><\/td><td>Without any effect<\/td><td>Criticism rolls off him&nbsp;<strong>like water off a duck\u2019s back<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lionhearted<\/strong><\/td><td>Very brave<\/td><td>The&nbsp;<strong>lionhearted<\/strong>&nbsp;firefighter saved the child.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Look what the cat dragged in<\/strong><\/td><td>Mocking someone\u2019s messy appearance<\/td><td><strong>Look what the cat dragged in<\/strong>\u2014where have you been?<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mad as a hornet<\/strong><\/td><td>Extremely angry<\/td><td>When he saw the damage, he was&nbsp;<strong>mad as a hornet<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mad as a March hare<\/strong><\/td><td>Crazy or eccentric<\/td><td>He\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>mad as a March hare<\/strong>&nbsp;with his conspiracy theories.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Memory like an elephant<\/strong><\/td><td>Excellent recall<\/td><td>Grandma has a&nbsp;<strong>memory like an elephant<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Monkey business<\/strong><\/td><td>Dishonest or silly behavior<\/td><td>The audit revealed&nbsp;<strong>monkey business<\/strong>&nbsp;in the accounts.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>One-trick pony<\/strong><\/td><td>Only skilled in one area<\/td><td>He\u2019s a&nbsp;<strong>one-trick pony<\/strong>\u2014great at coding but nothing else.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Open a can of worms<\/strong><\/td><td>Create complications<\/td><td>Asking about his past&nbsp;<strong>opened a can of worms<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Open Pandora\u2019s box<\/strong><\/td><td>Start unforeseen troubles<\/td><td>The investigation&nbsp;<strong>opened Pandora\u2019s box<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Peacocking<\/strong><\/td><td>Showy display to attract attention<\/td><td>His flashy clothes are just&nbsp;<strong>peacocking<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pet peeve<\/strong><\/td><td>A minor annoyance<\/td><td>Loud chewing is my&nbsp;<strong>pet peeve<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pick of the litter<\/strong><\/td><td>The best of a group<\/td><td>She got&nbsp;<strong>the pick of the litter<\/strong>&nbsp;from the puppies.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pig in a poke<\/strong><\/td><td>A risky blind purchase<\/td><td>Buying that car unseen was a&nbsp;<strong>pig in a poke<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pig out<\/strong><\/td><td>Eat excessively<\/td><td>We&nbsp;<strong>pigged out<\/strong>&nbsp;at the all-you-can-eat buffet.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Plenty of fish in the sea<\/strong><\/td><td>Many other opportunities<\/td><td>Don\u2019t worry about him\u2014there are&nbsp;<strong>plenty of fish in the sea<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Puppy love<\/strong><\/td><td>Adolescent infatuation<\/td><td>Their romance was just&nbsp;<strong>puppy love<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Quiet as a mouse<\/strong><\/td><td>Very silent<\/td><td>The kids were&nbsp;<strong>quiet as mice<\/strong>&nbsp;during the movie.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rabbit hole<\/strong><\/td><td>A time-consuming tangent<\/td><td>Researching online led me down a&nbsp;<strong>rabbit hole<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Raining cats and dogs<\/strong><\/td><td>Heavy rain<\/td><td>Take an umbrella\u2014it\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>raining cats and dogs<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rat race<\/strong><\/td><td>Competitive work grind<\/td><td>He quit the&nbsp;<strong>rat race<\/strong>&nbsp;to travel the world.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Road hog<\/strong><\/td><td>A selfish driver<\/td><td>That&nbsp;<strong>road hog<\/strong>&nbsp;won\u2019t let anyone pass.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sly as a fox<\/strong><\/td><td>Very cunning<\/td><td>She\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>sly as a fox<\/strong>&nbsp;in negotiations.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Smell a rat<\/strong><\/td><td>Sense deception<\/td><td>I&nbsp;<strong>smell a rat<\/strong>\u2014this deal seems too good.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Snake in the grass<\/strong><\/td><td>A hidden enemy<\/td><td>He pretended to befriend us but was a&nbsp;<strong>snake in the grass<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Snake oil<\/strong><\/td><td>A fraudulent product<\/td><td>That \u201cmiracle cure\u201d is just&nbsp;<strong>snake oil<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Straight as the crow flies<\/strong><\/td><td>Direct route<\/td><td>It\u2019s 5 miles&nbsp;<strong>as the crow flies<\/strong>, but 10 by road.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Straight from the horse\u2019s mouth<\/strong><\/td><td>Direct from the source<\/td><td>I heard it&nbsp;<strong>straight from the horse\u2019s mouth<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Swim with sharks<\/strong><\/td><td>Compete with ruthless people<\/td><td>In Wall Street, you\u2019re&nbsp;<strong>swimming with sharks<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Take the bull by the horns<\/strong><\/td><td>Confront a problem boldly<\/td><td>She&nbsp;<strong>took the bull by the horns<\/strong>&nbsp;and fixed the issue.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>The black sheep<\/strong><\/td><td>The disreputable family member<\/td><td>He\u2019s always been&nbsp;<strong>the black sheep<\/strong>&nbsp;of the family.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>The lion\u2019s share<\/strong><\/td><td>The largest portion<\/td><td>The CEO took&nbsp;<strong>the lion\u2019s share<\/strong>&nbsp;of the profits.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>The world is your oyster<\/strong><\/td><td>Unlimited opportunities<\/td><td>After graduation,&nbsp;<strong>the world is your oyster<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>To back the wrong horse<\/strong><\/td><td>Support a loser<\/td><td>I&nbsp;<strong>backed the wrong horse<\/strong>&nbsp;in that election.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>To bug someone<\/strong><\/td><td>Annoy persistently<\/td><td>Stop&nbsp;<strong>bugging me<\/strong>&nbsp;about chores!<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>To cast pearls before swine<\/strong><\/td><td>Waste effort on the unworthy<\/td><td>Explaining art to him is&nbsp;<strong>casting pearls before swine<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>To have a tiger by the tail<\/strong><\/td><td>Be in a risky situation<\/td><td>Managing this project is like&nbsp;<strong>having a tiger by the tail<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>To have butterflies in your stomach<\/strong><\/td><td>Feel nervous<\/td><td>Before the speech, I&nbsp;<strong>had butterflies in my stomach<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>To make a mountain out of a molehill<\/strong><\/td><td>Exaggerate a small issue<\/td><td>You\u2019re&nbsp;<strong>making a mountain out of a molehill<\/strong>\u2014it\u2019s just a scratch.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>To serve as a guinea pig<\/strong><\/td><td>Be a test subject<\/td><td>I&nbsp;<strong>served as a guinea pig<\/strong>&nbsp;for the new vaccine.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Top dog<\/strong><\/td><td>The leader<\/td><td>She\u2019s the&nbsp;<strong>top dog<\/strong>&nbsp;at the law firm.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Until the cows come home<\/strong><\/td><td>For a very long time<\/td><td>You can argue&nbsp;<strong>until the cows come home<\/strong>, but I won\u2019t agree.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Watching like a hawk<\/strong><\/td><td>Observing closely<\/td><td>The teacher&nbsp;<strong>watched us like a hawk<\/strong>&nbsp;during the test.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Wild goose chase<\/strong><\/td><td>A futile pursuit<\/td><td>Searching for him was a&nbsp;<strong>wild goose chase<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Wolf down<\/strong><\/td><td>Eat quickly<\/td><td>He&nbsp;<strong>wolfed down<\/strong>&nbsp;his lunch in two minutes.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Wolf in sheep\u2019s clothing<\/strong><\/td><td>A deceptive enemy<\/td><td>Beware\u2014he\u2019s a&nbsp;<strong>wolf in sheep\u2019s clothing<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Animal idioms are a delightful and creative part of the English language. Learning them not only improves your fluency but also gives you insight into how culture and language intertwine. So next time you\u2019re \u201cbusy as a bee\u201d or \u201cletting the cat out of the bag,\u201d know that you&#8217;re speaking like a native!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.users.wordsdaily\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Download Word Coach Application<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"549\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-idioms-wordscoach.com_-549x1024.png\" alt=\"Animal idioms - wordscoach.com\" class=\"wp-image-28071\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-idioms-wordscoach.com_-549x1024.png 549w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-idioms-wordscoach.com_-161x300.png 161w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-idioms-wordscoach.com_-768x1434.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-idioms-wordscoach.com_-823x1536.png 823w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-idioms-wordscoach.com_-1097x2048.png 1097w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-idioms-wordscoach.com_-150x280.png 150w, https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Animal-idioms-wordscoach.com_.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 549px) 100vw, 549px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Animal idioms in English are our favorite idioms. See why it&#8217;s so much fun to speak English using these wild expressions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28069,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[7077,7076,82],"class_list":["post-12019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-idioms","tag-animal-idioms","tag-animal-idioms-in-english","tag-idioms"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12019"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28072,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12019\/revisions\/28072"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28069"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wordscoach.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}