It’s 26 animal idioms! Let’s go!
#1 be a guinea pig
Definition: a person used in an experiment to test something
Examples:
5,000 volunteers were used as guinea pigs in the new drug study related to insomnia.
Hey Judy, I need someone to practise my massage technique on. Can you please be my guinea pig?
#2 as blind as a bat
Definition:to not see clearly
Examples:
My grandpa is as blind as a bat, even when he wears his glasses!
My cat is over 15 years old and is as blind as a bat.
#3 barking up the wrong tree
Definition: to do something that probably won’t work
Examples:
Police have been barking up the wrong tree for months. It turns out that the criminal was hiding in Geneva, not Paris!
I think everyone is barking up the wrong tree here. We need to spend more money on advertising, not creating new products!
#4 beat a dead horse
Definition: to try and do something that is impossible
Examples:
Sue, you are never going to become an actress. You’re just beating a dead horse.
Trying to teach my son to speak Mandarin is like beating a dead horse.
#5 (as) busy as a bee
Definition: to be very busy (usually physically and mentally)
Examples:
I’ve just moved to London so I’ve been (as) busy as a bee lately.
All of the uni students are as busy as bees with their exams coming up.
#6 a cash cow
Definition: something (usually a business) that always generates money
Examples:
My uncle owns two restaurants, but his real cash cow is his car dealership.
Selling bracelets became a real cash cow for the charity.
#7 the birds and the bees
Definition: sex education
Examples:
My daughter is learning about the birds and the bees in school. She’s been asking me so many questions.
How am I ever going to teach my son about the birds and the bees?
#8 to drop like flies
Definition: for many people to stop doing something
Examples:
After the politician’s scandal, loyal supporters began dropping like flies.
Due to the cold weather, members in our jogging group started to drop like flies.
#9 to be in the doghouse
Definition: someone is angry at you
Examples:
I’m really in the doghouse with Maria. I forgot her birthday.
Please don’t tell the boss I was late again. I really can’t afford to be in the doghouse at the moment.
#10 to make a mountain out of a molehill
Definition: to feel like a small problem is actually a serious problem
Examples:
Ben, you’re making a mountain out of a molehill. So you forgot to pay rent on time. Don’t worry, just pay it tomorrow.
My boyfriend always makes a mountain out of a molehill. He gets so stressed about such little things.
#11 an elephant in the room
Definition: a problem that everyone knows about, but does not want to speak about
Examples:
Obesity among hospital staff seems to be an elephant in the room nobody wants to discuss.
Everyone at work knew that Brenda got sacked, but nobody wanted to speak about it. It was a real elephant in the room.
#12 Cat got your tongue?
Definition: Why are you so silent? Speak to me!
Examples:
Where were you last night David? … What’s the matter, cat’s got your tongue?
Sweetie, where did you put mummy’s wallet? …. Cat’s got your tongue?
#13 a catnap
Definition: a short sleep
Examples:
I usually take a catnap after lunch. It really powers me up for the rest of the day.
I’m going to bed for a catnap. Can you please wake me up in 20 minutes?
#14 a copycat
Definition: a person who always copies you
Examples:
John is such a copycat! The idea he spoke about in the meeting was actually mine!
My little sister is a real copycat. She does everything I do. It’s really annoying.
#15 cry wolf
Definition: to say there is a problem when there isn’t one
Examples:
Don’t worry, Sarah isn’t really in trouble. She’s just crying wolf again. I would ignore her if I were you.
My brother’s girlfriend constantly cries wolf. I think she just wants attention, but it’s so annoying.
#16 kill two birds with one stone
Definition: to complete two things by doing one thing
Examples:
I’ll go to the post office on my way to the bank. That way, I’ll kill two birds with one stone.
I baked my dinner and dessert at the same time killing two birds with one stone.
#17 the rat race
Definition: modern society in which everyone tries to earn more money
Examples:
I can’t take the rat race anymore. I might quit my job and start writing a book.
I’m really not looking forward to finishing university. I’ll be joining the rat race.
#18 take the bull by the horns
Definition: to do something difficult without any fear
Examples:
Come on Kyle, take the bull by the horns and ask your boss for a promotion.
In life, you need to take the bull by the horns. Every obstacle you come across must be faced with determination and positivity.
#19 curiosity killed the cat (used on its own)
Definition: don’t ask too many questions
Examples:
Nephew: Hey uncle, what happened to Aunt Karen’s pet chihuahua?
Uncle: Curiosity killed the cat Nathan.
Gangster: You’re asking a lot of questions. Remember Karl, curiosity killed the cat.
#20 a dark horse
Definition: a person who doesn’t speak much about themselves and may have secrets
Examples:
Bill from work is a real dark horse. Did you know his father worked for the Queen for over 12 years?
My boss is such a dark horse. He barely speaks to anyone.
#21 on a wild-goose chase
Definition: to look for something that isn’t there
Examples:
Why do people bother looking for the Loch Ness Monster? They are all just on a wild-goose chase.
Police were sent on a wild-goose chase after receiving a fake phone call.
#22 dog-eat-dog (adjective)
Definition: a situation in which people will do anything to be successful
Examples:
I spent 15 years as a lawyer, and I can tell you, it’s a real dog-eat-dog profession.
When I was a child I thought the world was a perfect place and that all people were friendly and honest. It was a shock to discover that it’s a dog-eat-dog world and the only person who can help you is yourself.
#23 a pet peeve
Definition: something that doesn’t annoy anyone else but you
Examples:
People licking their fingers while eating is a real pet peeve of mine.
It’s so funny, people wearing white socks with black trousers is my sister’s pet peeve.
#24 to get/have butterflies in your stomach
Definition: to feel nervous
Examples:
I always get butterflies in my stomach before I have to give a speech.
My interview is next week and I already have butterflies in my stomach.
#25 like a fish out of water
Definition: to feel uncomfortable and different from everyone else
Examples:
When I first started my job I really felt like a fish out of water. It took me a few months to get comfortable.
I was like a fish out of water when I first came to England. I couldn’t say a single word.
#26 wouldn’t hurt a fly
Definition: a person who is very gentle
Examples:
My dog is really big and looks aggressive, but he wouldn’t hurt a fly. He’s the sweetest thing ever.
What? Did you say Jim tried to punch you? You’ve got to be kidding me. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.
Thank you for reading! Please leave a comment!
Your teacher,
Arnel
