The Animal Kingdom of Idioms: 5 Phrases You Need to Know
English idioms are a rich and colourful aspect of the language. They add flavour and humour to conversations and often involve animal references. In this blog post, we'll explore five English animal idioms and their meanings.
Smells Fishy
The expression "smells fishy" refers to something that seems suspicious or not quite right. The phrase comes from the fact that fish can have a strong, unpleasant odour if they're not fresh. If something smells fishy, it might be a sign that there's something shady or questionable going on.
Example: "The whole situation smells fishy. I think we should investigate further."
A Busy Bee
If someone is referred to as a "busy bee," it means they are always active and productive. Bees are known for their industriousness and the hard work they put into creating honey. If someone is a busy bee, they're always buzzing around, getting things done.
Example: "My boss is a busy bee. She's always working on multiple projects at once."
Straw That Broke the Camel's Back
The expression "the straw that broke the camel's back" refers to a final, small event that causes a large or significant change. The phrase comes from the idea that a camel can carry a heavy load, but if one more straw is added to the pile, it can become too much for the animal to bear. If something is the straw that broke the camel's back, it means that it was the final tipping point in a long series of events.
Example: "I was already feeling overwhelmed with work, but when my computer crashed, it was the straw that broke the camel's back."
Change Horses in Midstream
When someone says "don't change horses in midstream," they're advising against changing plans or strategies in the middle of a project. The phrase comes from the practice of crossing a stream on horseback. If you decide to switch horses in the middle of the stream, it can be risky and dangerous. If someone tells you not to change horses in midstream, they're essentially advising you to stick with the plan you started with.
Example: "I know we're having some issues with this project, but let's not change horses in midstream. We need to see it through to the end."
When Pigs Fly
The expression "when pigs fly" is used to express disbelief or to indicate that something is highly unlikely to happen. Pigs are not known for their ability to fly, so the idea of it happening is absurd. If someone says "when pigs fly," they're essentially saying that they don't believe something will ever happen.
Example: "You'll finish your work on time when pigs fly!"
In conclusion, animal idioms are a fun and engaging way to add flair to the English language. Whether you're talking about something that smells fishy or you're a busy bee buzzing around, these expressions can help you convey meaning in a memorable way. So, the next time you hear one of these animal idioms, you'll know exactly what it means!
If you're interested in learning more about English idioms and expanding your vocabulary, then our YouTube channel "English Phrase Collection" is definitely worth checking out. We have a wide variety of videos on different topics.
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