Welcome to our blog post on “Bird Idioms in English”! Birds have always captivated our imagination with their freedom, beauty, and unique behaviors. It’s no wonder that so many phrases in the English language are inspired by these feathered friends. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and interesting “Bird Idioms in English,” uncovering their meanings and how they are used in everyday conversations.

Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a bird lover, or someone looking to enhance their English vocabulary, this post on “Bird Idioms in English” is for you! We’ll take you under our wing as we dive into idioms like “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” “as free as a bird,” and “birds of a feather flock together.” By the end of this journey through “Bird Idioms in English,” you’ll be equipped to use these expressions confidently and add a touch of color and creativity to your language.

So, spread your wings and join us as we explore the fascinating world of “Bird Idioms in English.”

1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

• Meaning: It’s better to have a smaller but certain advantage than the possibility of a greater one that may come to nothing.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that it is better to keep what you have rather than risk it for something you may never get.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. I decided to keep my old car instead of buying a new one because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
  2. She chose the job offer in hand rather than waiting for a more lucrative opportunity because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
  3. It’s tempting to gamble for a bigger prize, but remember that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

2. A bird’s-eye view

• Meaning: A view from a very high place that allows you to see a large area.
• Explanation: This idiom describes a perspective that is high above, similar to how a bird would see the landscape while flying.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The helicopter ride gave us a bird’s-eye view of the entire city.
  2. From the top of the tower, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding countryside.
  3. The drone captured a bird’s-eye view of the forest, showing the extent of the wildfire.

3. A little bird told me

• Meaning: A way of saying that you got information from a secret source.
• Explanation: This idiom is used when someone doesn’t want to reveal where they got their information.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. A little bird told me that you’re planning a surprise party for Sarah.
  2. How did you know about my promotion? Oh, a little bird told me.
  3. I heard you’re moving to a new house. A little bird told me.

4. As bald as a coot

• Meaning: Completely bald.
• Explanation: This idiom compares a person’s bald head to the white, featherless head of a coot (a type of bird).
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. My grandfather is as bald as a coot, but he wears it with pride.
  2. After the chemotherapy, he became as bald as a coot.
  3. He jokes about his hairline, saying he’s as bald as a coot.

5. As dead as a dodo

• Meaning: Something that is completely outdated or extinct.
• Explanation: This idiom refers to the dodo bird, which is an extinct species, to describe something that is no longer relevant or in existence.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. VHS tapes are as dead as a dodo in today’s digital world.
  2. With the rise of electric cars, gasoline engines might soon be as dead as a dodo.
  3. That old slang is as dead as a dodo; no one uses it anymore.

6. As free as a bird

• Meaning: Completely free, with no restrictions or limitations.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s freedom to the uninhibited movement of a bird in the sky.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. After quitting her job, she felt as free as a bird to travel the world.
  2. The children ran through the park, as free as birds, without a care in the world.
  3. Once he retired, he was as free as a bird to pursue his hobbies.

7. As light as a feather

• Meaning: Very light in weight.
• Explanation: This idiom compares the lightness of an object to the weight of a feather, which is very light.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The package was as light as a feather; I could carry it with one finger.
  2. She felt as light as a feather after losing weight.
  3. The new smartphone is as light as a feather compared to the old models.

8. As proud as a peacock

• Meaning: Very proud, often in a showy or vain manner.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s pride to the way a peacock displays its colorful feathers.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He walked into the room as proud as a peacock, showing off his new suit.
  2. After winning the award, she was as proud as a peacock.
  3. The little boy was as proud as a peacock when he showed his parents his drawing.

9. As sick as a parrot

• Meaning: Very disappointed or unhappy.
• Explanation: This British idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely disappointed, similar to how a sick parrot might look droopy and sad.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He was as sick as a parrot when his team lost the championship.
  2. She felt as sick as a parrot after failing her driving test again.
  3. They were as sick as parrots when their holiday was canceled at the last minute.

10. As the crow flies

• Meaning: The shortest distance between two points, without considering any obstacles.
• Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a straight line distance, similar to the way a crow would fly directly to its destination.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. It’s only 10 miles to the city as the crow flies, but it takes longer by road.
  2. The next village is about 5 miles away, as the crow flies.
  3. As the crow flies, we’re not far from the coast, but it’s a longer drive.

11. Beak to beak

• Meaning: In very close proximity or in a confrontational manner.
• Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where two people or things are very close to each other, often in a confrontational or competitive context.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The two politicians were arguing beak to beak during the debate.
  2. In the crowded elevator, we were standing beak to beak.
  3. The rival soccer fans were beak to beak, shouting insults at each other.

12. Beating a dead horse

• Meaning: Wasting time and effort on something that is already decided or resolved.
• Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is continuing to argue or discuss a point that has already been settled or is no longer relevant.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Arguing about who was at fault is like beating a dead horse; let’s just move on.
  2. She kept trying to explain her side, but it felt like beating a dead horse.
  3. The issue has been resolved; there’s no point in beating a dead horse.

13. Birds of a feather flock together

• Meaning: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that people naturally gravitate towards others who are like them in some way.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. It’s no surprise that the artists in the city all know each other; birds of a feather flock together.
  2. The members of the book club became fast friends, proving that birds of a feather flock together.
  3. You’ll often find science enthusiasts gathering for lunch; birds of a feather flock together.

14. Bird-brained

• Meaning: Silly or lacking in intelligence.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s intelligence to that of a bird, which is often perceived as small or limited.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. That was a bird-brained idea; we should have thought it through more carefully.
  2. He made a bird-brained decision that cost him his job.
  3. Don’t be so bird-brained; think before you act.

15. Birds and the bees

• Meaning: A euphemistic way to refer to the explanation of reproduction and sexual intercourse.
• Explanation: This idiom is often used when talking about the basic facts of life, especially with children.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. It’s time we had the talk about the birds and the bees with our son.
  2. She learned about the birds and the bees in her biology class.
  3. The parents awkwardly tried to explain the birds and the bees to their curious child.

16. Bird’s eye view

• Meaning: A view from a high position that allows you to see a large area.
• Explanation: Similar to “a bird’s-eye view,” this idiom describes a perspective from above that provides a comprehensive view of a landscape or situation.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. From the top of the skyscraper, we had a bird’s eye view of the entire city.
  2. The drone provided a bird’s eye view of the disaster area for the rescue teams.
  3. The map gives you a bird’s eye view of the hiking trail before you start your journey.

17. Black swan event

• Meaning: An unpredictable or unforeseen event, typically one with extreme consequences.
• Explanation: This idiom originates from the belief that all swans were white until black swans were discovered in Australia. It’s now used to describe rare, unexpected events with significant impact.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The financial crisis of 2008 was a black swan event that few economists saw coming.
  2. The sudden collapse of the tech giant was a black swan event in the industry.
  3. Pandemics are often considered black swan events because of their rarity and widespread effects.

18. Busy as a bee

• Meaning: Very busy or active.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s level of activity to that of a bee, which is known for constantly moving and working.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She’s been as busy as a bee preparing for the wedding.
  2. The kitchen staff was busy as bees getting everything ready for the dinner rush.
  3. I’ve been as busy as a bee with all these projects at work.

19. Call ducks

• Meaning: To summon or attract attention, often in a deceptive manner.
• Explanation: This idiom is derived from the practice of using a duck call to attract ducks for hunting. It’s used metaphorically to describe actions that lure or entice.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The salesman tried to call ducks with his too-good-to-be-true offer.
  2. She called ducks by pretending to need help, only to sell them something.
  3. The advertisement seemed to call ducks with its promises of quick wealth.

20. Can’t see the forest for the trees

• Meaning: Focusing too much on details and failing to understand the overall situation.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is so caught up in the specifics that they miss the bigger picture.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. You’re obsessing over every little problem and can’t see the forest for the trees.
  2. We need to step back and look at the strategy as a whole; we can’t see the forest for the trees.
  3. Sometimes, you need to take a break from the details to ensure you can’t see the forest for the trees.

21. Chicken out

• Meaning: To lose courage and decide not to do something.
• Explanation: This idiom is used when someone backs out of a situation or commitment because of fear or nervousness.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He was going to ask her out, but he chickened out at the last minute.
  2. I wanted to go skydiving, but I chickened out when I saw the height.
  3. She was all set to give her speech, but she chickened out when she saw the crowd.

22. Chicken-hearted

• Meaning: Cowardly or lacking in courage.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s bravery to that of a chicken, which is often seen as a timid animal.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Don’t be chicken-hearted; stand up for what you believe in.
  2. He’s too chicken-hearted to watch horror movies.
  3. You can’t be chicken-hearted if you want to succeed in this industry.

23. Counting chickens before they hatch

• Meaning: Making plans based on events or successes that have not yet happened.
• Explanation: This idiom is a caution against being overconfident or making assumptions about future outcomes before they are certain.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch; wait until you get the job offer before you celebrate.
  2. She was counting her chickens before they hatched when she started spending her bonus before it was confirmed.
  3. We shouldn’t count our chickens before they hatch; the deal isn’t finalized yet.

24. Crowing about something

• Meaning: Boasting or bragging about an achievement or something one is proud of.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s boastful behavior to the loud crowing of a rooster.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He’s been crowing about his promotion all week.
  2. She couldn’t stop crowing about her new car.
  3. They were crowing about their victory in the competition.

25. Cry fowl

• Meaning: To complain about something, especially if it is unfair or unjust.
• Explanation: This idiom is a play on words, using “fowl” instead of “foul” to maintain the bird theme. It suggests raising an alarm or objection, similar to how a bird might sound an alert.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The players cried fowl when the referee made a questionable call.
  2. She cried fowl when she was overlooked for the promotion.
  3. The customers cried fowl over the sudden increase in prices.

26. Dead duck

• Meaning: Something that is unsuccessful, doomed, or has no chance of succeeding.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that something is as hopeless as a duck that is already dead and cannot be revived.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. If we don’t get more funding soon, our project will be a dead duck.
  2. His political career is a dead duck after the scandal.
  3. The new product was a dead duck; it didn’t attract any customers.

27. Do not count your chickens before they hatch

• Meaning: Do not make plans based on future events that may not happen.
• Explanation: This is a variation of “counting chickens before they hatch,” advising caution against making premature plans.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. You’re already planning how to spend the prize money, but do not count your chickens before they hatch.
  2. He’s making plans for a celebration, but I told him not to count his chickens before they hatch.
  3. Do not count your chickens before they hatch; the deal isn’t signed yet.

28. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

• Meaning: Do not risk everything on a single venture or opportunity.
• Explanation: This idiom advises diversifying your investments or efforts to reduce the risk of total loss.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. It’s risky to invest all your money in one company; don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
  2. She diversified her portfolio to ensure she wasn’t putting all her eggs in one basket.
  3. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; apply to multiple colleges.

29. Duck out of something

• Meaning: To avoid or escape from a responsibility or situation.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests evading something in a sneaky or cowardly manner, similar to how a duck might quickly dodge underwater.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He ducked out of the meeting early to avoid answering difficult questions.
  2. She tried to duck out of the party without saying goodbye.
  3. They ducked out of their chores and went to the movies instead.

30. Duck soup

• Meaning: Something that is very easy to do.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that the task is as simple as making soup out of a duck, which is presumably an easy task.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Don’t worry about the test; it’ll be duck soup for you.
  2. Fixing this issue was duck soup for the experienced mechanic.
  3. Organizing the event was duck soup for her; she’d done it many times before.

31. Eagle-eyed

• Meaning: Having sharp vision or keen attention to detail.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s observant nature to the excellent eyesight of an eagle.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. With her eagle-eyed attention to detail, she spotted the error in the report.
  2. The eagle-eyed editor caught all the typos in the manuscript.
  3. He’s eagle-eyed when it comes to finding bargains.

32. The early bird catches the worm

• Meaning: Success comes to those who are proactive and take early action.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that being early or first in line can lead to opportunities and advantages.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. I always get to the sales early; the early bird catches the worm.
  2. He starts his workday at 5 a.m., believing that the early bird catches the worm.
  3. The early bird catches the worm, so let’s get this project started right away.

33. Eat crow

• Meaning: To admit you were wrong or to accept humiliation.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that admitting fault is as unpleasant as eating a crow, which is not a desirable food.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. After boasting about his team’s guaranteed win, he had to eat crow when they lost.
  2. She ate crow when her prediction about the market turned out to be wrong.
  3. He was forced to eat crow and apologize for his rude behavior.

34. Eat like a bird

• Meaning: To eat very little.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s small appetite to the way birds eat small amounts of food.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She’s on a strict diet and eats like a bird.
  2. My grandmother eats like a bird; she’s never been a big eater.
  3. I’m not very hungry; I’ll just eat like a bird tonight.

35. Empty nest syndrome

• Meaning: A feeling of sadness or loneliness that parents may feel when their children have grown up and left home.
• Explanation: This idiom refers to the emotional experience of parents who find themselves in an “empty nest” after their children move out.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. My parents have been experiencing empty nest syndrome since my brother and I moved out.
  2. To cope with empty nest syndrome, she started volunteering at the local school.
  3. Empty nest syndrome hit her hard, but she’s slowly finding new hobbies.

36. Feather in one’s cap

• Meaning: A proud achievement or honor.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that an achievement is as decorative and praiseworthy as a feather in a hat.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Winning the award was another feather in her cap.
  2. Getting published in a prestigious journal was a feather in his cap.
  3. The successful project was a feather in her cap, boosting her career.

37. Feather one’s nest

• Meaning: To enrich oneself, often in a dishonest or unethical way.
• Explanation: This idiom refers to the way birds add feathers to their nests for comfort, suggesting someone is building their wealth or comfort at others’ expense.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He was accused of feathering his nest with company funds.
  2. Politicians should serve the public, not feather their nests.
  3. She feathered her nest by taking advantage of her position.

38. Feather-brained

• Meaning: Silly or lacking in seriousness; scatterbrained.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s thought process to the lightness of feathers, suggesting a lack of depth or seriousness.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. That was a feather-brained scheme; it was doomed to fail.
  2. Don’t be so feather-brained; focus on what’s important.
  3. His feather-brained ideas often got him into trouble.

39. Flocking together

• Meaning: Gathering or grouping together, often with people of similar interests.
• Explanation: This idiom is derived from the behavior of birds flocking together and is used to describe people coming together in groups.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Fans were flocking together outside the stadium before the concert.
  2. The students were flocking together in the cafeteria, sharing their summer stories.
  3. At the convention, you could see people with similar interests flocking together.

40. Fly by night

• Meaning: Unreliable or untrustworthy, often referring to businesses or individuals.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that something is as fleeting and hard to catch as a nocturnal bird or insect.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Be careful; that contractor has a reputation for being fly by night.
  2. She didn’t want to invest in a fly-by-night operation.
  3. The company turned out to be fly by night, disappearing with our money.

41. Fly on the wall

• Meaning: An unnoticed observer of a situation or conversation.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is as inconspicuous as a fly on the wall, able to witness events without being noticed.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. I’d love to be a fly on the wall during their secret meeting.
  2. He was like a fly on the wall, quietly observing the negotiations.
  3. As a journalist, she often wished she could be a fly on the wall to get the inside scoop.

42. Fly the coop

• Meaning: To escape or leave, especially from a restrictive situation.
• Explanation: This idiom refers to a bird escaping from its coop or cage, symbolizing freedom from confinement.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. After years of working in the same job, he finally flew the coop and started his own business.
  2. The teenagers flew the coop as soon as the bell rang, eager to start their weekend.
  3. She couldn’t wait to fly the coop and travel the world.

43. For the birds

• Meaning: Worthless or uninteresting.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that something is as insignificant as food for birds.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. This movie is for the birds; let’s watch something else.
  2. He thinks that studying history is for the birds.
  3. The meeting was for the birds; nothing important was discussed.

44. Free as a bird

• Meaning: Completely free, without any restrictions or limitations.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s freedom to the unbounded movement of a bird in the sky.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. After paying off her debts, she felt as free as a bird.
  2. He’s been traveling around the world, living as free as a bird.
  3. Once the semester is over, I’ll be as free as a bird.

45. Get your ducks in a row

• Meaning: To organize or arrange things properly.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests lining up tasks or details neatly, like a row of ducks.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Before we launch the project, let’s get our ducks in a row.
  2. She spent the week getting her ducks in a row for the presentation.
  3. It’s important to get your ducks in a row before applying for a loan.

46. Go cold turkey

• Meaning: To suddenly stop a habit or addiction, especially without gradual reduction.
• Explanation: This idiom is often used in the context of quitting smoking or other addictions abruptly.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He decided to go cold turkey and quit smoking immediately.
  2. After years of caffeine addiction, she went cold turkey and stopped drinking coffee.
  3. Going cold turkey can be tough, but sometimes it’s the best way to break a habit.

47. Go the way of the dodo

• Meaning: To become extinct or obsolete.
• Explanation: This idiom refers to the dodo bird, which is extinct, to describe something that is no longer in existence or use.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. With the rise of digital media, physical newspapers might go the way of the dodo.
  2. Landline phones are going the way of the dodo as mobile phones become more popular.
  3. If we don’t take action, many endangered species could go the way of the dodo.

48. Happy as a lark

• Meaning: Very happy or cheerful.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s happiness to the cheerful singing of a lark.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She was as happy as a lark when she got the job offer.
  2. The children were happy as larks playing in the park.
  3. He’s been happy as a lark since he started his new hobby.

49. Have a bird’s eye view

• Meaning: To have a view from a high position, allowing a broad perspective.
• Explanation: Similar to “a bird’s-eye view,” this idiom describes a comprehensive view from above.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. From the top of the tower, we had a bird’s eye view of the city.
  2. The CEO has a bird’s eye view of the company, overseeing all departments.
  3. The hilltop offers a bird’s eye view of the valley below.

50. Hawk-eyed

• Meaning: Having very sharp vision or attention to detail.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s keen observation skills to the sharp eyesight of a hawk.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The hawk-eyed teacher noticed every mistake in the essays.
  2. With his hawk-eyed vision, he spotted the rare bird from a distance.
  3. The hawk-eyed detective didn’t miss a single clue at the crime scene.

51. Henpecked

• Meaning: Constantly nagged or dominated by one’s wife or partner.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is being pecked at or harassed, like a hen pecking at the ground.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He’s so henpecked that he has to ask his wife for permission to go out with his friends.
  2. The henpecked husband did all the chores while his wife relaxed.
  3. Being henpecked is no way to live; he needs to stand up for himself.

52. High-flyer

• Meaning: A person who is ambitious and successful, often in a career.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s achievements and ambitions to the flight of a bird soaring high.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She’s a high-flyer in the company, quickly climbing the corporate ladder.
  2. The young entrepreneur is considered a high-flyer in the tech industry.
  3. He’s always been a high-flyer, excelling in everything he does.

53. Hit the nail on the head

• Meaning: To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
• Explanation: This idiom is often used to indicate that someone has identified the exact issue or solution.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. You hit the nail on the head when you said we need better communication.
  2. The consultant hit the nail on the head with her analysis of the company’s problems.
  3. When he suggested simplifying the process, he hit the nail on the head.

54. In a flap

• Meaning: In a state of panic or agitation.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests a state of flustered movement or confusion, similar to a bird flapping its wings.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She was in a flap about the missing documents before the meeting.
  2. The whole office was in a flap when the power went out.
  3. Don’t get in a flap over the small details; we’ll sort it out.

55. It’s for the birds

• Meaning: Something that is worthless or not worth considering.
• Explanation: Similar to “for the birds,” this idiom suggests that something is as insignificant as bird food.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. This old car is for the birds; I need to get a new one.
  2. He thinks that modern art is for the birds.
  3. Waiting in line for hours is for the birds; I’d rather come back later.

56. Kill two birds with one stone

• Meaning: To achieve two goals with a single action or effort.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that one action can be as efficient as killing two birds with one stone.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. By studying while commuting, she kills two birds with one stone.
  2. We can kill two birds with one stone by combining the meetings.
  3. He killed two birds with one stone by using his business trip to visit family.

57. Lame duck

• Meaning: An ineffective or powerless person, often a politician who is nearing the end of their term.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is as limited in their abilities as a duck with a lame leg.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The president became a lame duck after losing the election.
  2. He’s a lame duck in the office; nobody listens to his ideas anymore.
  3. As a lame duck, the mayor had little influence on the city’s decisions.

58. Let the cat out of the bag

• Meaning: To reveal a secret or disclose something that was supposed to be kept hidden.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that revealing a secret is as surprising as letting a cat jump out of a bag.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
  2. I didn’t mean to let the cat out of the bag about their engagement.
  3. Once you let the cat out of the bag, there’s no going back.

59. Like a bird in a gilded cage

• Meaning: Living in luxury but without freedom.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s situation to a bird that has a beautiful cage but cannot fly freely.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She felt like a bird in a gilded cage, trapped in her luxurious but unhappy marriage.
  2. The famous actor was like a bird in a gilded cage, surrounded by wealth but lacking privacy.
  3. Despite her wealth, she was like a bird in a gilded cage, longing for a simpler life.

60. Like water off a duck’s back

• Meaning: Having no effect or impact, especially of criticism or insults.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that negative comments slide off someone as easily as water off a duck’s waterproof feathers.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. His harsh words were like water off a duck’s back to her; she didn’t let them affect her.
  2. Criticism is like water off a duck’s back to him; he never takes it personally.
  3. She’s so confident that insults are like water off a duck’s back.

61. Nest egg

• Meaning: A sum of money saved for the future or for retirement.
• Explanation: This idiom compares a person’s savings to the eggs that a bird keeps in its nest for future use.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. They’ve been building their nest egg for years to ensure a comfortable retirement.
  2. It’s important to have a nest egg in case of unexpected expenses.
  3. She used her nest egg to start her own business.

62. No spring chicken

• Meaning: No longer young.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is past their youth, much like a chicken that is no longer in the springtime of its life.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. I’m no spring chicken, but I can still keep up with the best of them.
  2. He’s no spring chicken, but he’s still sharp as a tack.
  3. She may be no spring chicken, but she’s more energetic than many younger people.

63. Odd duck

• Meaning: A person who is unusual or eccentric.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s quirky behavior to a duck that is different from the rest.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He’s an odd duck, but he’s brilliant at his job.
  2. She’s always been an odd duck, preferring her own company to socializing.
  3. The new neighbor is a bit of an odd duck, but very friendly.

64. On a wing and a prayer

• Meaning: Barely managing to succeed or survive, often in a difficult situation.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is relying on hope and a small chance of success, much like a damaged airplane flying on just one wing and prayers.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. They completed the project on a wing and a prayer, with very few resources.
  2. The team won the match on a wing and a prayer, despite numerous injuries.
  3. He started his business on a wing and a prayer, with little capital and lots of hope.

65. One swallow does not make a summer

• Meaning: A single positive event does not mean that all following events will be as good.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that one good sign (like the first swallow of the season) does not guarantee that the entire period (summer) will be pleasant.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The team won one game, but one swallow does not make a summer; they need to keep winning.
  2. Just because the economy improved this month, one swallow does not make a summer.
  3. She got an A on her first test, but one swallow does not make a summer; she needs to keep studying hard.

66. Out of the nest

• Meaning: Independent or away from one’s family or familiar environment.
• Explanation: This idiom compares a person’s independence to a young bird leaving the nest for the first time.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Now that the kids are out of the nest, we have more time for ourselves.
  2. She was nervous about her son being out of the nest and living on his own.
  3. Going to college was her first experience out of the nest.

67. Parrot fashion

• Meaning: Repeating something exactly as it was heard, without understanding it.
• Explanation: This idiom compares mindless repetition to the way a parrot mimics words without comprehending their meaning.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He learned the poem parrot fashion, without grasping its deeper meaning.
  2. The students recited the rules parrot fashion, but did they really understand them?
  3. She can speak the language parrot fashion but can’t hold a conversation.

68. Pecking order

• Meaning: A hierarchy or ranking, often in social or professional contexts.
• Explanation: This idiom is derived from the behavior of birds establishing dominance through pecking, and it’s used to describe the order of authority or status among a group.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The new employee quickly learned the pecking order in the office.
  2. There’s a clear pecking order in the classroom, with the teacher at the top.
  3. Understanding the pecking order is important in any social group.

69. Pigeonhole

• Meaning: To categorize or label someone or something in a limiting way.
• Explanation: This idiom refers to the act of placing pigeons in small compartments (pigeonholes) and is used to describe the limitation of categorizing people or ideas.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She didn’t want to be pigeonholed as just a romantic comedy actress.
  2. The company pigeonholed him as a low-level employee, ignoring his potential.
  3. Don’t pigeonhole yourself; explore different interests and skills.

70. Put all your eggs in one basket

• Meaning: To risk everything on a single venture or opportunity.
• Explanation: This idiom advises against concentrating all efforts or resources in one area, as failure would lead to total loss.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Investing all your money in one stock is like putting all your eggs in one basket.
  2. She diversified her investments to avoid putting all her eggs in one basket.
  3. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; apply to multiple colleges.

71. Rare bird

• Meaning: A unique or unusual person or thing.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone or something rare and distinctive to a bird species that is seldom seen.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He’s a rare bird in the industry, with a unique approach to problem-solving.
  2. That antique vase is a rare bird; you won’t find another like it.
  3. She’s a rare bird, with a talent for both science and art.

72. Rule the roost

• Meaning: To be in control or in charge.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests dominance, similar to a rooster ruling over the henhouse.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. In our house, it’s the cat that rules the roost.
  2. She rules the roost at work, making all the important decisions.
  3. Even though he’s the youngest, he rules the roost in their family.

73. Run around like a chicken with its head cut off

• Meaning: To act in a frantic, disorganized, or aimless manner.
• Explanation: This idiom describes chaotic or uncontrolled behavior, similar to a chicken’s movements after decapitation.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Before the deadline, everyone was running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
  2. He’s been running around like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to get everything done.
  3. Don’t run around like a chicken with its head cut off; make a plan and stick to it.

74. Sitting duck

• Meaning: An easy target or someone in a vulnerable position.
• Explanation: This idiom compares a person’s defenselessness to a duck sitting still, making it an easy target for hunters.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Without proper security, the building is a sitting duck for burglars.
  2. The stranded hikers were sitting ducks for the approaching storm.
  3. In the debate, his weak arguments made him a sitting duck for his opponent.

75. Snug as a bug in a rug

• Meaning: Very cozy and comfortable.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests a level of comfort and warmth similar to a small insect (bug) wrapped snugly in a rug.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Wrapped in her blanket, she was as snug as a bug in a rug.
  2. On cold nights, the cat curls up on the bed, snug as a bug in a rug.
  3. The cabin was warm and cozy, making us feel snug as a bug in a rug.

76. Spread your wings

• Meaning: To expand your horizons or try new things.
• Explanation: This idiom encourages exploring new opportunities, much like a bird spreading its wings to fly.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. After graduation, she was ready to spread her wings and travel the world.
  2. The new job allowed him to spread his wings and develop new skills.
  3. It’s time for you to spread your wings and live your own life.

77. Spring chicken

• Meaning: A young person.
• Explanation: This idiom refers to the youth and vitality associated with springtime and young chickens.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. I may not be a spring chicken, but I can still keep up with the best of them.
  2. At 40, he’s no longer a spring chicken, but he’s in great shape.
  3. She’s still a spring chicken, with her whole life ahead of her.

78. Straight from the horse’s mouth

• Meaning: Information obtained directly from the original source.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that the information is as reliable as if it were spoken directly by a horse, which is impossible, thus ensuring its authenticity.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth, so it must be true.
  2. The news came straight from the horse’s mouth; the CEO announced it himself.
  3. Don’t believe the rumors until you hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.

79. Swallow your pride

• Meaning: To let go of your ego or pride and accept something humbling.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that one must overcome their pride, much like swallowing something bitter or unpleasant.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He had to swallow his pride and ask for help.
  2. Sometimes, you just need to swallow your pride and apologize.
  3. She swallowed her pride and admitted she was wrong.

80. Take under one’s wing

• Meaning: To protect, guide, or mentor someone.
• Explanation: This idiom compares the care and guidance provided to a young bird under the wing of an adult bird.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The experienced teacher took the new student under her wing.
  2. He took the young artist under his wing and helped him navigate the industry.
  3. She was grateful to have someone take her under their wing during her first weeks at the job.

81. Talk turkey

• Meaning: To discuss something seriously or frankly.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests getting down to the serious business, much like negotiating the price of a turkey.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Let’s stop beating around the bush and talk turkey.
  2. It’s time to talk to Turkey about the terms of the contract.
  3. When it comes to negotiations, he’s known for talking turkey.

82. The early bird catches the worm

• Meaning: Success comes to those who are proactive and take early action.
• Explanation: This idiom encourages being early or first in line to seize opportunities.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She always arrives early to work; the early bird catches the worm.
  2. He was the first to invest in the technology, proving that the early bird catches the worm.
  3. To get the best deals, you need to be the early bird that catches the worm.

83. The pecking order

• Meaning: A hierarchy or ranking, often in social or professional contexts.
• Explanation: Similar to “pecking order,” this idiom describes the order of authority or status among a group.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. In the office, there’s a clear pecking order, with the CEO at the top.
  2. The new recruits are at the bottom of the pecking order.
  3. Understanding the pecking order is important in any social group.

84. The rooster crows, but the hen lays the eggs

• Meaning: Those who make the most noise are not always the ones who do the most work.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that the loudest or most visible people may not be the most productive or valuable.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He takes all the credit, but remember, the rooster crows, but the hen lays the eggs.
  2. She may not be the most vocal in meetings, but the rooster crows, and the hen lays the eggs.
  3. In many teams, it’s often the case that the rooster crows, but the hen lays the eggs.

85. Throw in the towel

• Meaning: To give up or admit defeat.
• Explanation: This idiom originates from boxing, where throwing in the towel signifies surrendering or ending the match.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. After several failed attempts, he threw in the towel and accepted defeat.
  2. She’s not one to throw in the towel easily; she’ll keep trying.
  3. When the going gets tough, don’t throw in the towel; persevere.

86. Turkey shoot

• Meaning: A situation or task that is very easy to accomplish.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that something is as easy as shooting turkeys in a confined area, requiring little effort or skill.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The game was a turkey shoot; the other team didn’t stand a chance.
  2. With his expertise, solving the problem was a turkey shoot.
  3. The competition was supposed to be tough, but it turned out to be a turkey shoot.

87. Two heads are better than one

• Meaning: Collaborating or working together is more effective than working alone.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that two people can come up with better solutions or ideas than one person alone.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Let’s work on this project together; two heads are better than one.
  2. When solving complex problems, two heads are better than one.
  3. They decided to collaborate on the design, knowing that two heads are better than one.

88. Ugly duckling

• Meaning: Someone who is initially unattractive or unnoticed but later becomes beautiful or successful.
• Explanation: This idiom is derived from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, where a swan is mistaken for an ugly duckling before its true beauty is revealed.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She was considered an ugly duckling in school, but she grew up to be a successful model.
  2. The old building was an ugly duckling until it was renovated into a beautiful boutique hotel.
  3. He was the ugly duckling of the family, overlooked until he became a famous musician.

89. Watch like a hawk

• Meaning: To observe or monitor very closely.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s vigilant observation to the keen eyesight of a hawk.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The teacher watched the students like a hawk during the exam.
  2. As a parent, she watches her kids like a hawk at the playground.
  3. He watched the stock market like a hawk, ready to make a move.

90. Water off a duck’s back

• Meaning: Having no effect or impact, especially of criticism or insults.
• Explanation: Similar to “like water off a duck’s back,” this idiom suggests that negative comments slide off someone as easily as water off a duck’s waterproof feathers.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Criticism is just water off a duck’s back to her; she never lets it bother her.
  2. His harsh words were like water off a duck’s back; they didn’t affect me at all.
  3. She’s so confident that insults are just water off a duck’s back.

91. Wet hen

• Meaning: Very angry or annoyed.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is as agitated and flustered as a hen would be if it were wet.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She was as mad as a wet hen when she found out they had left without her.
  2. The coach was as mad as a wet hen after the team’s poor performance.
  3. When he saw the mess, he was as mad as a wet hen.

92. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander

• Meaning: What is suitable or beneficial for one person should be equally so for another.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that what works well for one gender (goose being female and gander being male) should work well for the other.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. She argued that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander when it came to parental leave.
  2. If he can go out with his friends, then what’s good for the goose is good for the gander; I can go out too.
  3. They believe in equality: what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

93. Wild goose chase

• Meaning: A futile search or pursuit based on false information.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is on a pointless pursuit, much like chasing wild geese that cannot be caught.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. Trying to find the perfect solution was a wild goose chase; it didn’t exist.
  2. The clues led them on a wild goose chase, with no treasure at the end.
  3. He sent us on a wild goose chase looking for a store that had closed years ago.

94. Wing it

• Meaning: To improvise or do something without preparation.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is flying by the seat of their pants, similar to how a bird might adjust its wings in flight.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. I forgot my notes, so I had to wing it during the presentation.
  2. She’s good at winging it in the kitchen, creating dishes with whatever’s available.
  3. Without a script, the actors decided to wing it and see what happened.

95. With bated breath

• Meaning: In a state of anxious or eager anticipation.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone is holding their breath in anticipation, waiting for something to happen.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. They waited with bated breath for the results of the competition.
  2. She listened to the announcement with bated breath, hoping for good news.
  3. The audience watched with bated breath as the magician performed his trick.

96. Work like a dog

• Meaning: To work very hard.
• Explanation: This idiom compares someone’s hard work to the diligent and persistent nature of a working dog.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. He’s been working like a dog to finish the project on time.
  2. She worked like a dog all year and deserved her promotion.
  3. To achieve success, sometimes you have to work like a dog.

97. You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear

• Meaning: You can’t create something of high quality from poor materials.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that it’s impossible to turn something inherently low-quality into something high-quality.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. No matter how much you try to dress it up, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
  2. He tried to improve the software, but you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
  3. The renovation was a failure; you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

98. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

• Meaning: It’s difficult to change someone’s habits or ways, especially if they are older or set in their ways.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that it’s hard to teach someone new skills or behaviors after they have been accustomed to their old ways for a long time.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. I tried to get my grandfather to use a smartphone, but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
  2. She’s set in her ways; you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
  3. The company struggles to innovate because you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

99. Youngblood

• Meaning: Young people or newcomers, often with fresh ideas or energy.
• Explanation: This idiom refers to the infusion of new talent or perspectives, much like fresh blood revitalizing the body.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. The team needs some young blood to bring new ideas and enthusiasm.
  2. She represents the young blood in politics, challenging the status quo.
  3. The company is looking to hire young blood to keep up with the latest trends.

100. Your goose is cooked

• Meaning: You’re in trouble or your situation is hopeless.
• Explanation: This idiom suggests that someone’s fate is sealed, much like a goose that is ready to be cooked.
• Usage in Sentences:
  1. If they find out you lied, your goose is cooked.
  2. Once the boss hears about this mistake, your goose is cooked.
  3. He knew that if he didn’t finish the project on time, his goose would be cooked.

Also refer to:

• Snake Idioms in English
• Dog Idioms in English
• Elephant Idioms in English
• Crocodile Idioms in English
• Cat Idioms in English
• Monkey Idioms in English