A Fish Out Of Water & 9 Other Animal Idioms
English Vocabulary Lessons
Welcome to NJCLT's free English lesson where we dive into the intriguing world of animal idioms. Idioms are a crucial part of any language, as they add color and depth to our conversations. By mastering these expressions, you can take your English skills to a whole new level. In this lesson, we will explore 10 widely used idiomatic expressions related to animals, allowing you to better understand their meanings and usage.
1. A Fish Out Of Water
Ever felt out of place or uncomfortable in a particular situation? That's exactly what this idiom signifies. When someone is like a fish out of water, they feel awkward or uneasy in an environment that is unfamiliar or unsuitable for them. So, don't worry if you ever find yourself in a new or challenging situation, as it's only natural to feel like a fish out of water.
2. As Blind As A Bat
Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind. However, their vision is relatively weak compared to other animals. This idiom is used to describe someone with extremely poor eyesight or someone who is unaware of their surroundings. Next time you forget your glasses or fail to notice something, you can playfully say, "I'm as blind as a bat!"
3. Like A Bull In A China Shop
If you've ever seen a bull in a china shop, you can imagine the chaos that would ensue. This idiom characterizes someone who is clumsy, rash, or lacks finesse. It typically refers to a person who is careless and has little regard for their surroundings. So, let's be cautious and avoid behaving like a bull in a china shop!
4. Let The Cat Out Of The Bag
Have you ever accidentally revealed a secret? Then you've let the cat out of the bag! This idiom suggests disclosing something that was meant to be kept hidden or secret. It originated from the practice of fraudsters swapping valuable items for cats when selling goods. So, remaining tight-lipped is essential if you don't want to let that cat out of the bag!
5. Kill Two Birds With One Stone
Who wouldn't want to be efficient and achieve multiple things with a single action? This idiom describes accomplishing two objectives at once, saving time and effort. As humans, we often strive to find ways to kill two birds with one stone, metaphorically speaking, of course!
6. Straight From The Horse's Mouth
When you want accurate and reliable information, it's best to go straight to the source. The phrase "straight from the horse's mouth" means obtaining information or news directly from a trustworthy and authentic source. So, if you hear something directly from the horse's mouth, you can be confident in its veracity.
7. Out Of The Woods
Escaping a difficult or challenging situation is exhilarating. This idiom, "out of the woods," illustrates overcoming a tricky circumstance, just like navigating out of a dense forest. It signifies being free from trouble or danger and can be used to express relief and a sense of triumph.
8. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Do you prefer to avoid unnecessary conflicts or potential trouble? This idiom advises against stirring up old problems or awakening dormant conflicts. Similar to how it's best to let sleeping dogs lie undisturbed, it's often wise to leave certain things in the past. Sometimes, it's better to maintain peace rather than rehashing old issues.
9. A Bird In The Hand Is Worth Two In The Bush
This idiom emphasizes the importance of valuing what you have now over potential future gains. It suggests that it is better to hold onto something concrete and definite (the bird in hand) rather than pursuing uncertain or risky prospects (the two in the bush). So, appreciate what you possess rather than chasing after unrealistic possibilities.
10. When Pigs Fly
Dreaming about the impossible or highly improbable can be fun. This whimsical idiom, "when pigs fly," is used to express extreme skepticism or disbelief regarding an event or occurrence ever happening. So, the next time someone makes promises that seem highly unlikely, don't hesitate to respond with "when pigs fly!"
Now that you've explored these ten animal idioms, you have an impressive set of expressions to enhance your English vocabulary and communication skills. Remember, idioms add flair and color to your language use, allowing you to express yourself more vividly. Practice using these idioms in your daily conversations, and soon you'll find yourself sounding like a native English speaker!
At NJCLT, we are committed to providing valuable resources to help you improve your English proficiency. Be sure to check out our other lessons and materials to further enhance your language learning journey. Happy learning!
