Learn animal idioms in English. There are many idioms connected with animals in the English language.
In this post, I’ve chosen less common idioms for you. Enjoy the podcast episode with detailed explanations and examples.
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Harry
Animal idioms in English
Hi, there this is Harry and welcome to my English learning podcast Speak Better English where I try to help you to get a better understanding of the English language so that you can enjoy it, you can use it and you can practice it.
We talk about English idioms and phrasal verbs, show you the best way to use the correct grammar, improve vocabulary and also pronunciation.
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INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Today, we’re going to look at animal idioms in English. I’ve got 10 or 11 English idioms connected with animals. I’ll give them to you, and then I’ll give you an example. You’ll be able to understand how and where to use animal idioms in English.
you can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: when somebody is set in their ways and when somebody has been doing the same thing year in year out, it’s very hard to get them to change, to do something different
Example:
Mum and I tried to teach grandad to use technology, but he’s seriously hopeless! You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
a big fish in a small pond
Meaning:Meaning: somebody who is in control and can do as they please and perhaps they’ve grown a little too big, so it’s time to move on
Example:
I’m tired of being a big fish in a small pond. It’s difficult to do anything else in this company. I’m looking around for another position, it’s time to move on.
We can also use
a small fish in a big pond
with an opposite meaning.
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a fly on the wall
Meaning: we often use this expression when we want to listen in on certain conversations, and we know we won’t get to hear them
Example:
I have to say, I would love to be a fly on that wall and hear the stories those two will tell.
there are (plenty) more fish in the sea
Meaning: we use it when we’re trying to comfort someone who has fallen out with their boyfriend or girlfriend
Example:
Don’t worry, there are plenty more fish in the sea. You’ll be able to find love soon.
Animal idioms in English
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Animal idioms in English
barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: to make a mistake; to chase the wrong lead; to get the wrong idea, accuse the wrong person, etc
Example:
She thought that Sam stole the money, but she was barking up the wrong tree.
the cat that got the cream
Meaning: used to say when someone is looking very satisfied and happy
Example:
You’re sitting there with a big smile on your face. Go on, tell me what happened. You look like the cat that got the cream.
empty nest
Meaning: a situation when your children have left home for the first time to go to college or live on their own
Example:
In the empty nest, many mothers feel like no one needs them anymore and they’ve lost their purpose in life.
loan shark
Meaning: somebody other than a bank or some financial institution that lends money to desperate people at extortionist rates of interest
Example:
Avoid loan sharks at all costs. They will lend you the money but they will charge you ridiculous rates of interest and huge penalties if you don’t pay on time.
top dog
Meaning: is the person who is usually the most important; somebody in the highest position
Example:
A long time ago, back in 1980, IBM was the top dog in computing.
to ruffle feathers
Meaning: to upset or offend people, either deliberately or accidentally; to step on somebody’s toes
Example:
The minister ruffled a few feathers when he suggested cutting the teachers’ salaries.
And then finally, the one that I threw in at the end
the elephant in the room
Meaning: something really big and important (topic, question, problem, etc) that people try to ignore
Example:
In many workplaces, mental health is the elephant in the room.
So there are animal idioms in English. Let’s go through them again:
- you can’t teach an old dog new tricks
- a big fish in a small pond
- a fly on the wall
- there are (plenty) more fish in the sea
- barking up the wrong tree
- the cat that got the cream
- empty nest
- loan shark
- top dog
- to ruffle feathers
- elephant in the room
That’s the end of my podcast episode. I hope you enjoyed it and if there’s anybody out there that you think will enjoy it, just give them the details.
If you want to contact me, then you can do so on www.englishlessonviaskype.com
Always happy to hear from you. Thanks for listening, and join me again soon.
More information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Difference between Look, See and Watch
Phrasal verbs about Crime and Scam
Don’t forget to check out intermediate and advanced English lessons at Learning English with the BBC
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