The English language has a highly developed phraseology. Idioms make a great part of it. Here are 8 idioms using animals that can hardly be understood unless you know their meaning.
Bird’s eye view
Meaning: a good view of something from a high position.
Ex: I live on the 17th floor, and I have a bird’s eye view of the city.
Have a bee in your bonnet
Meaning: to be obsessed about something.
Ex: John didn’t get the promotion he expected last year, and he has had a bee in his bonnet about it ever since.
Let the cat out of the bagÂ
Meaning: to reveal a secret.
Ex: Why did you let the cat out of the bag and told Mary about the party? It was supposed to be a surprise!
Donkey’s years
Meaning: for a very long time.
Ex: It’s so nice to see you again! I haven’t seen you for donkey’s years!
To smell a ratÂ
Meaning: to be suspicious.
Ex: I don’t trust John when he says that he can’t help us paint the apartment because he’s working late. I smell a rat!
Like a fish out of waterÂ
Meaning: to be in an unfamiliar situation.
Ex: I have started working for this company last week. I still feel like a fish out of water.
Straight from the horse’s mouthÂ
Meaning: to have information from someone who’s directly involved in something.
Ex: “How did you know that Julia won’t come to the meeting?” “I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth.”
Wouldn’t say boo to a gooseÂ
Meaning: used to describe someone who’s very quiet and shy.
Ex: Anna is so timid; she wouldn’t say boo to a goose.
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