Animal Idioms: Don't have a cow or Be a Scaredy Cat When It Comes to Using Idioms
As you are already aware, idioms and expressions are a part of every language. In American English, expressions can usually be categorized into groups, according to the types of words used to form them. Let's take a look at some common idioms that use animal words, what they mean, and how you might you use them.
1. crocodile tears: fake tears, fake crying Ex: The little girl was crying crocodile tears because she didn't get what she wanted.
2. to have a cow: to be very upset Ex: Don't have a cow just because she dropped your favorite vase.
3. fishy: suspicious Ex: I thought that man standing in front of the store looked a little fishy.
4. hold your horses: wait Ex: You'll have to hold your horses for a minute while I go and get my keys.
5. clam up: suddenly become quiet Ex: When I asked my son if he took money out of my wallet, he clammed up.
6. in the doghouse: in trouble Ex: When your father finds out what you did, you'll be in the doghouse.
7. go ape: get very excited Ex: My daughter goes ape every time she hears her favorite song on the radio.
8. dust bunny: a clump of dust or dirt Ex: If I don't sweep the floor every day, I start to see little dust bunnies forming on the floor.
9. bull-headed: stubborn Ex: When my sister decides to do something, she can be very bull-headed.
10. as quiet as a mouse: very quiet Ex: Your son never says a word in school; he's as quiet as a mouse.
