eat like a bird
eat like a bird (simile)
/ˈiːt laɪk ə bɝːd/
Meaning
- Refers to eating very little or consuming small amounts of food.
- Describes someone who has a tiny appetite or takes only a few bites during meals.
- Means to nibble or peck at food like a bird, rather than eating a full portion.
- Implies having light or minimal eating habits, often skipping meals or eating sparsely.
Example Sentences
- She always eats like a bird, barely finishing half of her salad.
- Even at the buffet, he eats like a bird and only grabs a few vegetables.
- My grandmother eats like a bird, but somehow stays full all day.
- Despite working out daily, Jenna eats like a bird and never craves big meals.
- He eats like a bird at dinner but snacks throughout the night.
Origin and History
The idiom “eat like a bird” is commonly used to describe someone who consumes very little food. This expression stems from the mistaken belief that birds have minimal appetites. In reality, many bird species eat a substantial amount relative to their body weight. For instance, hummingbirds can consume up to 100% of their body weight in nectar daily, and chickadees around 35%. Therefore, the phrase inaccurately portrays avian feeding behaviors.
Earliest Recorded Usage
The idiom references indicate its usage began in the early 20th century. For example, The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms notes its use from the first half of the 1900s.
The phrase began appearing in literature in the early 20th century, with a noticeable increase in usage around the 1920s.
Cultural Variations
The concept of associating small appetites with birds is not confined to English. In Spanish, the phrase “comer como un pajarito” translates to “eat like a little bird,” conveying a similar meaning. This cross-cultural presence indicates a widespread perception linking birds to minimal food intake, despite biological evidence to the contrary.
Synonyms
- pick at one’s food
- nibble at food
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