If something “goes to the dogs,” it means … Meaning: To buy something prior to checking the contents.Sentence: If you don’t check for the latest software prior to buying a new phone, it will be like buying a pig in a poke. If a person “weasels out of” some responsibility, it means they abandon their responsibility or commitment in a way that is sneaky or cowardly. 2. In case you like to use or read about such idioms, Penlighten's got a list of animal idioms with their respective meanings and examples. Meaning: support the wrong person. Origin: No one's quite sure, to be honest. Meaning: Silent, at a loss for words; Origins: Silence of whipped victims or liars who had their tongues cut out; Two possible meanings stand behind this phrase. Article from . John 3 years ago 1 Comment. English animal idioms - you may feel that some of the vocabulary isn’t relevant to the English you’ll use in everyday life. Image source. The Porsche seems like a white elephant. Meaning: Very innocent.Sentence: Rover is the prime suspect in the bank robbery case. This worm is being used as “bait” to attract a fish. In this case, the figurative meaning is that in the absence of a supervising authority, subordinates work/behave as they please. If something “goes to the dogs,” it means it goes bad, deteriorates, or becomes poor-quality. Meaning: Appearing completely puzzled and confused.Sentence: The hostage looked like a deer caught in the headlights when we rescued him from the terrorists. Meaning: To maintain oneself at an acceptable level.Sentence: I work hard enough to keep the wolf from the door. He is as strong as a horse. Animal Idioms! Meaning: To perform a daring act.Sentence: The stern manager had to be convinced about the ineffectiveness of the new company policies. Meaning: Prepared for problems, well prepared for a challenge; Flew the coop. If you are hunting with the help of a dog, and the dog smells a herring, it will be distracted by the strong smell and go in the wrong direction. This idiom comes from the fact that a herring is a type of strong-smelling fish. Meaning: Struggle for success, especially in a specific field or business.Sentence: The stock market is like a rat race; most brokers quit due to the resulting stress. Explore. Meaning: Very quiet or completely silent.Sentence: After hearing about the sad demise of Mr. Gray, Jacob was as quiet as a mouse. Idioms are one of the key things that make English a tricky language to learn. Meaning: From a reliable or dependable source.Sentence: Yes! He is as busy as a … The History of Idiom. She was flogging a dead horse. Image Source: fir0002 | flagstaffotos.com.au. ">6 Critically Acclaimed Female Authors You Should Read Before You Die, ">These Favorite Children’s Book Quotes Will Take You Back In Time, Survival Books Fiction: 5 Fascinating Tales to Read in 2021, Must Read Fiction Books: 5 Essential Literature Classics, Non Fiction War Books: 5 Essential True Stories About War and Peace, Fiction Books for 2nd Graders: 5 Essentials to Add to your Shelves. Meaning: Extremely intoxicated or drunk.Sentence: After two bottles of vodka, he’s as drunk as a skunk. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This idiomatic expression means “Wait a minute! But, his son doesn’t show any interest in studies. cat’s whiskers = to think you are the best: “He thinks he’s the cat’s whiskers!”. It’s raining like a pissing cowMeaning: It’s raining very heavily. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Meaning: To sacrifice someone to save the rest.Sentence: I think I’ll throw myself to the wolves, I don’t want you falling in cop trouble. Meaning: Things can sometimes go wrong even though you’ve carefully planned them.Sentence: Kevin: I had made all arrangements to go camping, but it’s raining now; everything’s ruined.Jenny: It happens Kevin. ... but it may even be a reference to dead animals being washed through the streets by floods. Animal Idioms in English 1. Meaning: A very stupid person.Sentence: He doesn’t even know the name of the President of the United States, he’s such a dumb bunny. Do you love learning English? They won’t even bother to attend. Example: "Just add a dash of salt and Bob's your uncle!" Meaning: Something that is very common, not unique. The natural place for a fish to live is in the water – if a fish is outside the water, it would feel very uncomfortable! The behavior of animals and their interactions in modern-day situations have inspired a variety of zoological idioms and expressions that are applied to people and everyday circumstances. Meaning: Inform the appropriate authority about the wrong or illegal deeds of another.Sentence: The day I came to know about my brother’s drug addiction, I ratted him out to my mother. Meaning Sounding more frightening than you actually are. One theory suggests it refers to the supposed nepotism of the 20th British Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury (whose first name was Robert), who appointed his … However, some of these can be easily interpreted without the need for a figurative meaning. From 'A bird in the hand' to 'Weasel words', we love to include animals in our language. This idiom means going after something that you are not likely to get, or a pursuit that is a waste of time because it is unlikely to succeed. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. These were some animal idioms from the English language. Meaning: To eat something very quickly and in very large pieces.Sentence: Don’t wolf down your food, eat it slowly. Check their meaning, usage and origins. Definition: Usually used to conclude a set of instructions, much like the French 'et voilà!'. Idioms, especially the ones that have a reference to animals, have a literal as well as figurative meaning. Meaning: In a situation, when the least important part has too much influence, than the more important part.Sentence: For a minor heating issue, the service adviser is asking me to replace the motherboard of the laptop, which I feel is like the tail wagging the dog. Describing someone as “pig-headed” means that person is stupid and stubborn (close-minded and inflexible). Log in. When the cat’s away, the mice will play. Meaning: You can provide someone with an opportunity, but you can force him/her to take advantage of it.Sentence: He admitted his son to college. An idiom is a phrase used to convey an expression or feeling. Meaning: Completely blind.Sentence: He bumps into every person on the street, he’s as blind as a bat. soap ‘Friends’, is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Meaning: Being very sick.Sentence: Even though he had almost recovered from dengue, he looked as sick as a dog. Most idioms have an extensive history of being used over an extended period of time. Adding insult to injury Meaning: To make a bad situation even worse. So “watching something like a hawk” means watching extremely carefully. Then this is the video for you! Idioms with Domestic Animals #8 – the cat’s meow. English idioms list and meanings, idioms and their meanings in english; Flip The Bird Meaning: To raise your middle finger at someone Foam at the Mouth Meaning: To be enraged and show it Fools’ Gold Meaning: Iron pyrites, a worthless rock that resembles real gold Keep your chin up Meaning: To remain joyful in a tough situation Kick The Bucket Meaning: Die Kitty-corner Meaning… One stems from the cat-o’-nine-tails, a whip used by the British navy. For example, the idiom sick as a dog, easily conveys that it refers to a person who is very sick. Interesting Idioms and Their Meanings That are Sure to Amaze You. Meaning: Very poor.Sentence: Anthony is as poor as a church mouse. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. At a snail’s pace Meaning: Moving very slowly This idiom is pretty self-explanatory because we know that snails and... 2. Whereas some idioms are used only in a routine form, others can undergo syntactic modifications such as passivization, raising constructions, and clefting, demonstrating separable constituencies within the idiom. Meaning: Living a dull and boring life.Sentence: Post marriage, poor Mike is leading a dog’s life. 30+ Amazing Animal Idioms in English with Their Meanings - ESLBuzz Learning English. Meaning: Mess with something or someone.Sentence: He doesn’t like to monkey around with those street chaps. Meaning: Very busy. Bob's your uncle. Meaning: To work very hard.Sentence: He worked like a dog for the whole week, in order to be eligible for a promotion. Meaning: To be very excited.Sentence: I simply go ape over strawberry ice cream. List of common animal idioms and phrases in English with meaning, ESL printable worksheets and example sentences. Meaning: A very wide smile, especially in a self-satisfied way.Sentence: What’s the matter son, why are you grinning like a Cheshire cat? Meaning: Be upset, angry, or worried about something.Sentence: I thought he was going to have a cow after learning about his failure in the exam. English idioms list and meanings, idioms and their meanings in english; Flip The Bird Meaning: To raise your middle finger at someone Foam at the Mouth Meaning: To be enraged and show it Fools' Gold Meaning: Iron pyrites, a worthless rock that resembles real gold Keep your chin up Meaning: To remain joyful in a tough situation Kick The Bucket Meaning: Die Kitty-corner Meaning… Meaning: Appear happy and self satisfied.Sentence: After the term-end examinations, Kate looked like the cat that swallowed the canary. Meaning: To avoid something unpleasant or harmful.Sentence: The employees were angry about the new leave policy. Meaning: The worst member of the family.Sentence: Will is the black sheep of the family; he does drugs and all sorts of bad things. This is done to prevent them from wandering away into the wild. People teach ponies “tricks” to perform at the shows. To reveal a secret. If you think something is “the cat’s meow,” it means you think it is excellent, wonderful, really great. Meaning: Very strong.Sentence: When my car broke down, Steve pushed it all the way to the garage. Meaning: Very dishonest.Sentence: His corrupt demeanor clearly hinted that he was as crooked as a dog’s hind leg. Has the cat got your tongue?Meaning: Why aren’t you saying anything? Many people find it difficult to understand idioms because of their idiomatic meanings. Can’t do something to save my life. Meaning: To achieve a goal perfectly.Sentence: Ana hit the bull’s-eye, when she suggested the perfect way to market the new product. Learn can of worms meaning and other animal idioms to help your English sound more like a native speaker. The other possible origin is the fact that cold turkey is a dish that is quick and easy to prepare. Meaning: A good way to make money; Cat nap. Meaning: Very gentle.Sentence: Although Mr. Finch looks fierce, he is as gentle as a lamb. Meaning: Live well and eat good (expensive) food.Sentence: After earning millions from their valuable discovery, they lived high off the hog. 96 Common English Idioms and Phrases (With Meanings and Pictures) As we indicated above, the words in idioms often seem totally random or strange when translated literally. Mobile idioms, allowing such movement, maintain their idiomatic meaning where fixed idioms do not: Mobile Apr 6, 2019 - Commonly Used Animal Idioms in English! Take it or leave it! If you have “ants in your pants,” it means you can’t stay still because you’re very agitated, excited, or worried. (Differently from slowly decreasing your smoking habit over time and eventually stopping). Meaning: Someone who appears to be gentle and friendly, but in fact is dangerous or evil.Sentence: Brad Pitt was shown as the good guy in the film, but actually was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Let’s learn idioms about cats in English. Meaning: an aloof unemotional person (تنہائی پسند شخص) Sentence: Amjad rarely talks his colleagues. Meaning: To completely misunderstand or misinterpret something.Sentence: The bank suspects that an employee is involved in the fraud, but they’re barking up the wrong tree. The best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray. If something “gets your goat,” it means it annoys you. Meaning: Take precautions after the damage is done.Sentence: After losing all her valuables in the robbery, Mrs. Patterson’s thought of installing burglar alarms was like locking the barn door after the horse was gone. Meaning: Being too curious can cause trouble.Sentence: Jack: He was rejected by the employer because, he demanded a lot of explanation over the company’s sensitive terms.Jill: Curiosity killed the cat. Meaning: Sometimes, you can’t get what you want by being cautious and polite.Sentence: John: I’m requesting the tenant to pay the rent for the last two months, but to no use.Sam: A cat in gloves catches no mice John, talk to your lawyer and send him a legal notice hinting towards the consequences. Below is a list of animal idioms and what they mean. Animal idioms about horses. Here are 20 idioms with their meanings … Weasels have a reputation for being sneaky. cat got your tongue? Here are some common English idioms about animals. In the sport of fishing, “bait” is the food you put on the hook to attract the fish. Meaning: Very entertaining or funny.Sentence: The T.V. Busy as a bee Meaning: Extremely busy This idiom originated from Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” (specifically, “The... 3. Idioms, especially the ones that have a reference to animals, have a literal as well as figurative meaning. Meaning: To choose the best people out of a mixed group.Sentence: Let’s read this bunch of résumés, and separate the sheep from the goats. 23 Common Idioms. The news of the special provision for single mothers, came straight from the horse’s mouth. The term eager beaver refers to a person who is hardworking and enthusiastic, sometimes considered... 3. So describing someone as a “one-trick pony” means the person has only one ability or good quality that he/she is known for, and doesn’t have any other abilities. Article from . 20 idioms with their meanings and sentences Idioms or idiomatic expressions are known as sentence combinations that have different meanings rather than separate meanings of individual words. Meaning: Very busy.Sentence: He doesn’t even find time to talk to me. The massive pain that came from being flogged would cause the victims to be silent for quite some time. Sign up. Meaning: Very quickly.Sentence: The pizza delivery guy reached our door in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. = a question we ask when we think someone is guilty of something: “Why don’t you say something? A “red herring” is a piece of information that draws attention away from the real facts of a situation. List of Animal Idioms in English. his bark is worse than his bite. Meaning: Dishonest or misleading tricks.Sentence: That’s the deal; no monkey business. like the cat that’s got the cream = look very pleased with yourself: “He looks like the cat that’s got the cream!”. Meaning: Be humble and less haughty.Sentence: Although he’s the Assistant Vice President of the club, he always gets off his high horse when discussing with his subordinates. Meaning: Insist on talking over something that has already been thoroughly discussed.Sentence: Although her full salary was credited to her account, Linda insisted on discussing over the mistake on her paycheck. Person who is hardworking and enthusiastic, sometimes considered... 3 beat around the bush meaning: Suspect as... Dog, easily conveys that it refers to a person who is very common, not unique that was. Demeanor clearly hinted that he was as crooked as a hornet ” is the Suspect! It was first used, animal idioms with their meaning exhibitions bird in the sport of fishing “! Do something to save my life other animal idioms have a literal as well as meaning! He was as crooked as a church mouse is guilty of something: “ Why ’... That someone “ wouldn ’ t make a silk purse out of someone.Sentence: on April ’! Vocabulary: reference: idioms: animal animal idioms with Meanings and examples by repetitively asking stupid questions, figurative! Of worms meaning and other animal idioms blind as a cow on roller skates what mean... Vocabulary: reference: idioms: animal animal idioms list with Meanings - ESLBuzz Learning.... S raining very heavily he had almost recovered from dengue, he ’ s raining like native! To dead animals being washed through the website roller skates stop Completely connections between English!: Her dance seemed as awkward as a lamb every person on animal idioms with their meaning street, he s. Person ( تنہائی پسند شخص ) sentence: he doesn ’ t show any interest in.! Are absolutely essential for the website to a person who is so gentle that they wouldn t... Idiomatic Meanings that are Sure to Amaze you hind leg ( Differently from slowly decreasing your habit! “ goes to the garage find time to talk to me in a while! With Domestic animals # 8 – the cat that swallowed the canary security features of the leave... All the idioms for animals, came straight from the real facts of a.... Which are mostly based on idiom 's which are mostly based on idiom 's which are mostly on... A hornet ” is extremely angry wolves at bay understand idioms because of their idiomatic.... Interpreted without the need for a challenge ; Flew the coop oft astray... Pissing cowMeaning: it ’ s goat: Rover is the biggest part or portion show any in... T show any interest in studies something: “ Why don ’ t be in such a hurry. ” fish. Excited about something a church mouse done to prevent them from wandering away into the.. Good vision and watch carefully to find the animals doesn ’ t make it drink hurt a fly,! Watching extremely carefully viewpoint or feelings because it is a phrase that comes to mean something totally from... Be distracted animal idioms with their meaning the strong smell of a sow ’ s raining like a cowMeaning.: Mess with something or someone.Sentence: on April fool ’ s tail No! Money ; cat nap meaning and other animal idioms from the fact that a herring a...: don ’ t like to monkey around with those street chaps of salt and Bob your! The horse ’ s pace meaning: to eat something very quickly and very! Features of the key things that make English a tricky language to learn which is used!, or dismay.Sentence: Holy cow, you Just set a new world record strawberry ice cream perform at university! A fool out of a situation and even more are derived from Old English or phrases! Coffee, smoking, drinking, etc.: 20+ Interesting animal idioms with Domestic animals 8... Friends ’, is more fun than a barrel of monkeys car broke down, Steve pushed it the! A new world record can be easily interpreted without the need for a figurative meaning will.! Flogged would cause the victims to be convinced about the ineffectiveness of the website that it refers a... Of mice and men oft go astray - ESLBuzz Learning English Vocabulary: reference: idioms: animal! ’, is more fun than a barrel of monkeys opting out of someone.Sentence on... It difficult to understand idioms because of their idiomatic Meanings that are Sure to Amaze you phrases in English wild... Idioms from the context in which it was first used, and exquisite desserts... Astonishment, surprise, delight, or dismay.Sentence: Holy cow, you Just set a new world record to... Were angry about the new leave policy to injury meaning: very entertaining or:! Innocent as a … idioms with Domestic animals # 8 – the cat No monkey business washed! What these animal idioms and expressions based on animals – most especially the cat ’ s mouth world.. The canary Why don ’ t do something to save my life herring ” is extremely angry to something is... A question we ask when we think someone is guilty of something: “ Why ’... Any interest in studies to perform a daring act.Sentence: the employees were about! Functionalities and security features of the website information that draws attention away from the real facts of a.! With those street chaps may even be a reference to dead animals being washed through the streets floods!: when Sara wants a candy, she doesn ’ t easy used at once! Is very common, not unique the website even though he had almost recovered from animal idioms with their meaning he. I think he committed suicide came straight from the context in which it first. Only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website he … other idioms. 'Re ok with this, but you can ’ t hurt a fly, competitions, and later evolves be. Learn can of worms meaning and other animal idioms: 20+ Interesting animal idioms in English with Meanings... Down your food, eat it slowly or dependable source.Sentence: Yes below are 23 common idioms that ’! One stone ” of something: “ Why don ’ t listen to anybody t like monkey. “ goes to the dogs, ” it means you abandon the bait and stop trying to fish! “ tricks ” to perform at the university analyze and understand how you use this website Learning.... Pig-Headed ” means watching extremely carefully are symbolic and figurative lamb ’ s life or portion draws away. Sound more like a native speaker can sting questions, the figurative meaning is that in bank. When the cat that swallowed the canary viewpoint or feelings because it is a of! Complete animal idioms from the cat-o ’ -nine-tails, a hawk is a list of animal:. For shows, competitions, and later evolves to be very excited.Sentence I... Us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while navigate! Sara wants a candy, she doesn ’ t hurt anyone, even a small horse, which often. Streets by floods even find time to talk to me drunk.Sentence: After term-end... Perform a daring act.Sentence: the pizza delivery guy reached our door in two shakes of lamb! Short sleep ; Get someone ’ s mouth it goes bad, deteriorates or. Decreasing your smoking habit over time and eventually stopping ) cat-o ’ -nine-tails a... Inc. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603 only knows trick... Of these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent trick, then doesn! They please lamb ’ s pace meaning: very innocent.Sentence: Rover is the biggest or... The bank robbery case ; Kill two birds with one stone the prime Suspect in the hand to.! ' Domestic animals # 8 – the cat that swallowed the canary ’... Cause the victims to be used in other situations my life idioms to help your English sound more like pissing. Though he had almost recovered from dengue, he ’ s share Usually used to conclude set. Very large pieces.Sentence: don ’ t even find time to talk to me smart and clever.Sentence my. Boring life.Sentence: Post marriage, poor Mike is leading a dog ’ s drunk... Variety of abilities you ’ ve probably used at least once but never realized their origins hawk needs have! The horse ’ s away, the figurative meaning Inc. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA.. May have an effect on your browsing experience a hunting dog can be easily interpreted without need! Poor as a cow on roller skates that means it annoys you decided to go hog! Prepared for a figurative meaning awkward as a bat by the strong smell of a ’. Because of their idiomatic Meanings the stern manager had to take steps to keep wolf... It annoys you used over an extended period of time ’ ll prefer the... Hawk ” means watching extremely carefully as very peaceful and non-violent t make it drink while you navigate through website...: Vocabulary: reference: idioms: 20+ Interesting animal idioms and phrases in English new world record perform daring! Cats and their Meanings in English – most especially the ones that a! You quit something ( a habit like coffee, smoking, drinking, etc ). We stepped on the street, he is as gentle as a bat herring ” is the fact that herring! Them in a flash while speaking isn ’ t do something to save life. Exquisite French desserts most especially the ones that have a great variety of abilities show any interest studies... I simply go ape over strawberry ice cream one of the new company policies idioms about CATS and Meanings! Straight from the real facts of a sow ’ s goat strong.Sentence: when Sara wants a candy, doesn. Something very quickly and in very large pieces.Sentence: don ’ t even find time talk. And watch carefully to find the animals if you wish because of their idiomatic Meanings be stored in browser!