Creature Feature – Animal Idioms

“Sly as a fox;” “bull in a china shop;” “mad as a wet hen;” “big fish in a small pond;” “a little bird told me;” “busy as a beaver;” “like water off a duck’s back;” “slippery as an eel;” “don’t poke the bear…”  An ark full of animals make their way into our everyday speech! Usually, the meaning behind these common phrases is obvious, but sometimes the connection is unclear.

Someone too stunned to react is like “a deer in the headlights.” Makes sense, as deer crossing a darkened roadway often freeze in place when vehicle headlights shine on them. “Doe-eyed innocence” refers to childlike wonder and reflects a deer’s guileless gaze. 

“The elephant in the room” (what an image!) points at a blaringly obvious problem that no one seems willing to address. Some folks have “a memory like an elephant,” as elephants are known to have a remarkable recall for places, people, and past events. If, however, you’re “seeing pink elephants,” it’s time to lay off the hooch!

Another well-worn animal expression, “it’s raining cats and dogs,” is used to describe a torrential downpour. While this idiom’s origin is unclear, one ghastly theory points to 17th-century England where heavy rains would wash dead animals through the streets. Another theory suggests the expression harkens back to the Greek phrase “cata doxa,” meaning contrary to belief – or hard to believe.

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” means always be appreciative of a gift. The connection? One way to estimate a horse’s age is by opening its mouth to examine the wear and tear on its teeth, a common practice when vetting a horse for sale — but not for a “gift horse!” 

Yes, it’s easy to “fall down a rabbit hole” of varmint vernacular. But for now, “Jiminy Cricket!” I’m out of space!

Article & photo by Margie Manthey