Animal Idioms 4s2630

What is an idiom?  An idiom - is an expression, word, or phrase that has a

figurative meaning that is understood in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made.  E.g. in Croatian: mačji kašalj - something that is very easy

as blind as a bat  Not able to see properly; blind

e.g. He lost his sight in an accident and is as blind as a bat.

as sick as a dog  very ill

e.g. She was as sick as a dog after eating the cake.

as stubborn as a mule  to be very determined not to change your decision or

opinion about something e.g. You won't get him to change his mind - he's as stubborn as a mule.

by shank's mare  by foot

e.g. My car isn't working, so I'll have to travel by shank's mare.

a cat nap  a very short sleep

e.g. a catnap left me refreshed enough to face the rest of the day

a cock-and-bull story  a silly story that is not true

e.g. Don't give me that cock-and-bull story. I asked for an explanation, and all I got was your ridiculous cock-andbull story!

curiosity killed the cat  Being curious can get you into trouble

e.g. Jill: Where did you get all that money? Jane: Curiosity killed the cat.

dog-eat-dog world  Ruthlessly competitive

e.g. a dog-eat-dog society.

get (someone`s) goat  to irritate someone

e.g. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get your goat. Jean got Sally's goat and Sally made quite a fuss about it.

hit the bull´s-eye  to achieve the goal perfectly.

e.g. Your idea really hit the bull's-eye. Thank you!

hold one`s horses  Wait!

e.g. Tom: Let's go! Let's go! Mary: Hold your horses.

in two shakes of a lamb's tail  in a very short time; very quickly.

e.g. Jane returned in two shakes of a lamb's tail.

let sleeping dogs lie  Leave something alone if it might cause trouble.

e.g. Jill: Should I ask the boss if he's upset at my coming in late in the mornings? Jane: If he hasn't said anything about it, just let sleeping dogs lie.

let the cat out of the bag  to reveal a secret or a surprise by accident.

e.g. It's a secret. Try not to let the cat out of the bag.

a lone wolf  a person who prefers to do things on their own

e.g. The typical role for Bogart was the Casablanca character, a lone wolf, cynical but heroic.

look a gift horse in the mouth  to be ungrateful to someone who gives you something

e.g. I advise you not to look a gift horse in the mouth.

rain cats and dogs  to rain very hard.

E.g. It's raining cats and dogs. Look at it pour!

top dog  the leader or chief of a group

e.g. He is the the top dog of their group.

when the cat's away, the mice will play  When no one in authority is present, the subordinates

can do as they please. e.g. Jill: You shouldn't be reading a novel at your desk. Jane: But the boss isn't here. And when the cat's away, the mice will play.

a copycat  a person who imitates or copies another

e.g. Stop copying my answers. You copycat!

work like a horse  to work very hard.

e.g. You work like a slave in that kitchen. I'm too old to work like a horse. I'd prefer to relax more.

make a monkey out of (someone)  to make someone look foolish.

e.g. John made a monkey out of himself while trying to make a fool out of Jim.

cast pearls before swine  to waste something good on someone who doesn't care

about it. e.g. To sing for them is to cast pearls before swine.