Animal Idioms
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Meaning: Divert attention from something important by focusing on something less significant but more sensational.
Example: The government created a scandal just to wag the dog before elections. Read more ➺
Meaning: listen carefully
Example: She pricked up her ears when she heard her name being mentioned by the group chatting animatedly at the corner. Read more ➺
Meaning: a very small place
Example: How do you expect all four of us to stay in that room? There's no room to swing a cat in there. Read more ➺
like a chicken with its head cut off
Meaning: act in a frenzied manner
Example: Does he know how to handle the situation? He has been running around all morning like a chicken with its head cut off. Read more ➺
don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
Meaning: don't be ungrateful when you receive a gift
Example: I know you don't like the dress very much, but it was a gift; you should not look a gift horse in the mouth. Read more ➺
Meaning: threatening, aggressive, but not willing to engage in a fight
Example: I heard he has threatened you with dire consequences if you don not stop that construction. Don't worry, he is all bark and no bite. Read more ➺
Meaning: hot, sultry days.
Example: During the dog days of summer, people prefer to remain indoors and go out as little as possible. Read more ➺
Meaning: someone, usually a man, who has a secret affair while being in a relationship
Example: I heard Bill had an affair with his wife's best friend! What a love rat he is! Read more ➺
Meaning: a mild infatuation, or a crush
Example: Most teenagers are quick to fall in love and expect it to last a lifetime, but of course it is puppy love and they soon fall out of it. Read more ➺
if wishes were horses, beggars would ride
Meaning: To wish for things does not yield to anything.
Example: She told me she wanted to become Miss Universe and I said, "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride". How else was I to react to such an absurd thing? Read more ➺
