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•°¤*(¯`°´¯) Ginny's Archive II (¯`°´¯)*¤°•.Travelling in the wonderful world of knowledge \ (^o^) /
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May 04 animal idioms *s-w*S
SADDLE
bring someone's saddle home to do to someone that which someone has done to you Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
have a burr under one's saddle to be irritated by something Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
SHARK
card-shark A person who pretends they don't know how to play cards until they play for money, and then they play well and take all the profits.
SHEEP
a wolf in sheep's clothing Getting admission under false pretenses. Source: Funk, Charles
black sheep of the family most troublesome member of the family Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
one might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb If you have decided to do something that will have unpleasant consequences, do it to the largest degree possible, so that you will feel the punishment was worth it. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
separate the sheep from the goats To distinguish the good from the bad. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
SKUNK
skunk egg an onion Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye) as drunk as a skunk * describes someone who is falling-down drunk, completely intoxicated * skunks are not known to imbibe; the meaning is only in the rhyme (this phrase is an alliteration) Source: indiana.edu
SNAIL
a snail's pace Slow. Source: Big List of Cliches
SNAKE
snake in the grass There is trouble. Source: Funk, Charles
if it was a snake it would have bit you very close Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
mad as a struck snake cruel and angry Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
to nourish a snake in one's bosom From the Aesop story, "The Farmer and the Snake." Source: Funk, Charles
once a snake, always a snake people do not change
slippery as a snake Tricky – unable to trust.
SWAN
graceful as a swan Graceful. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
I swan what a surprise Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
I'll Swan "I've never heard anyone under the age of 60 use this expression, but it conveys surprise and disbelief." Source: Dianna Ly
T
TAIL
the tail wagging the dog Source: Wag the Dog -- the movie
two shakes of a lamb’s tail Very fast. Source: Funk, Charles
have a bear by the tail to have a very difficult problem to solve Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed eager and alert Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
with the tail between the legs Thoroughly coward. Source: Funk, Charles
better be the head of a dog then the tail of a lion Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
TICK
full as a tick well-fed Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
ticked off a little upset, annoyed Source: Wayne Magnuson
TIGER
he who rides a tiger is afraid to dismount Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
tiger a dynamic, forceful, or cruel person Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
have a tiger by the tail Informal. to find oneself in a situation that has turned out to be much more difficult to control than one had expected. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
TOAD
ugly as a toad Ugly. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
as calm as a toad in the sun very calm and content Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
toad sticker a short knife Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
biggest frog (toad) in the puddle The person of most importance in any small community or group. Source: Funk, Charles
TURKEY
to talk turkey To talk straight or be honest.
as poor as Job's turkey very poor Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
turkey Slang, chiefly US and Canadian. a thing or person that fails; dud. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
freckled as a turkey egg covered with freckles Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
turkey Slang, chiefly US and Canadian. a stupid, incompetent, or unappealing person Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
Stop cold turkey. Source: Visitor Mathews, Brett
W
WEASEL
weasel words Words that weaken or detract from the effectiveness or force of another word or expression. Source: Funk, Charles
weasel Informal. a sly or treacherous person Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
weasel Informal. 1. to go back on a commitment 2. to evade a responsibility, esp in a despicable manner Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
WING
to take under one's wing to protect, to mentor.
on a wing and a prayer with only the slightest hope of succeeding Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
on the wing flying Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
clip (someone's) wings to restrict (someone's) freedom Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
wing it Informal. to accomplish or perform something without full preparation or knowledge; improvise Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
WOLF
a growing youth has a wolf in his belly Young people who are growing fast are hungry all of the time. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
wolf a voracious, grabbing, or fiercely cruel person or thing Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
wolf a man who habitually tries to seduce women Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
keep the wolf from the door to ward off starvation or privation Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
lone wolf a person or animal who prefers to be alone Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
throw to the wolves to abandon or deliver to destruction Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
to wolf down to gulp Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
a wolf in sheep's clothing Getting admission under false pretenses. Source: Funk, Charles
when the wolf comes in the door love creeps out the window If a couple gets married because they are in love, but they do not have any money, they will stop loving each other when the money runs out. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
to cry wolf Taken from the Aesop Fable, "The Shepherd-boy and the Wolf."
WOOL
to pull the wool over one's eyes To hoodwink.
WORM
even the worm will turn Even a meek person will become angry if you abuse him or her too much. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
book worm one who reads a lot Source: Wayne Magnuson
can of worms a controversial issue, an old problem Source: Wayne Magnuson
the early bird catches the worm Don't procrastinate (unless maybe you’re the worm.)
worm a wretched or spineless person Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
worm a program that duplicates itself many times in a network and prevents its destruction Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary animal idioms *n-r*N
NEST
children must fly the nest / leave the nest Children must eventually leave home.
feathering one's nest to acquire wealth for oneself, especially by taking advantage of one's position or using the property of others Source: funbrain.com
nest egg a fund of money kept in reserve; savings Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
NOSE
cold nose, warm heart Cold on the outside, but full of love on the inside Source: Lewis, Stacey
O
OWL
drunk as a boiled owl Drunk. Source: Funk, Charles
owly cranky, unco-operative, negative Source: Wayne Magnuson
I wasn't brought up in the woods to be scared by owls I'm not foolish or easily frightened. Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
sorry as owl bait worthless Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
wise as an owl Source: Dianna Ly
slick as owl grease smooth and slick Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
OX
as strong as an ox Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
ox-eyed having large round eyes, like those of an ox Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
OYSTER
the world is his oyster He can do anything. Source: Dani Hoogerhyde
oyster Informal. a very uncommunicative person Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
P
PARROT
as sick as a parrot very, very sick; on your deathbed, sicker than a dog Source: Wayne Magnuson
PEACOCK
proud as a peacock Proud.
happy as a peacock very happy, very pleased Source: Wayne Magnuson
vain as a peacock Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
PECKING
the pecking order describes the relative rank or importance of someone within a group refers to hens establishing a dominance hierarchy by pecking Source: indiana.edu
PIG
fat as a pig Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
on the pig's back Irish and N.Z. successful; established: he's on the pig's back now. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
pig it Informal. to live in squalor. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
pig out Informal. to devour (food) greedily. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
a pig in a poke a risk, a gamble, taking a chance Source: Wayne Magnuson
even a blind pig finds an acorn once in awhile everybody gets lucky sometimes Source: Dog Hause Visitor Jennifer Hale
make a pig of yourself Eat all you want.
in a pig's eye nonsense Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
sweating like a pig sweating a lot
eat like a pig Eat a lot.
bleed like a stuck pig it bleed very freely Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
if that don't beat a pig a-pecking that's amazing Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
blind pig a place to buy illicit liquor Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
happy as a pig in mud happy and content Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
ain't fittin' to roll with a pig is or are uncouth and disgusting Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
when pigs fly Never. Source: Big List of Cliches
buy a pig in a poke Buy something without seeing it first.
PIGEONs
stool-pigeon An informer. Source: Funk, Charles
clay pigeon a person easily cheated or taken advantage of Source: funbrain.com
pigeon-toed having the toes turned inwards Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
put, set, etc., {the cat among the pigeons} to introduce some violently disturbing new element Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
PORQUPINE
Prickly as a porcupine Source: Dianna Ly
POSSUM
to play possum To pretend; to deceive. If the possum is threatened with capture it will lie with closed eyes and limp muscles, and no amount of handling or ordinary abuse will cause it to show signs of life. Source: Funk, Charles
grin like a barrel of possum heads to grin very wide Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
PUPPY (PUPS)
puppy love Puppy love is a juvenile crush (another idiom) on a member of the opposite sex... the youngest and most infatuous of loves is puppy love! Source: BOBLOV1@aol.com
cut dog has no pups I don't want to cut the cards Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
proud as a pup with a new collar very proud Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
pretty as a speckled pup very pretty Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
R
RABBIT
quick as a rabbit Source: Dianna Ly
rabbit food lettuce, carrots, cabbage etc. Source: Wayne Magnuson
harmless as a pet rabbit harmless, gentle Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
RAT
like rats abandoning a sinking ship Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
dirty rat immoral person, liar, scum Source: Wayne Magnuson
rat fink person who tattles Source: Wayne Magnuson
rat on tell the police or the authorities Source: Wayne Magnuson
rat Slang. chiefly US an informer; stool pigeon Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
rat Informal. a despicable person Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
rats an exclamation of rejection or disdain Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
rat race Work force. Source: Cliche Finder (The thing about the rat race is, weather you win or lose, you’re still a rat…)
smell a rat Think that there is a traitor. Source: Cliche Finder
rat Informal. a person who deserts his friends or associates, esp in time of trouble Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
rat Informal. a worker who works during a strike; blackleg; scab Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
RATTLER
mean as a rattler Source: Dianna Ly
crooked as a rattler in a cactus patch very crooked Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
ROOSTER (and ROOST)
feeling like a rooster in a hen house Feeling like you don't belong.
the chickens come home to roost You have to face the consequences of your mistakes or bad deeds. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
to rule the roost To control the home.
bet on a lame rooster bet on a loser Source: Wayne Magnuson animal idioms *g-m*G
GIRAFFE
knee-high to a tall giraffe Tall Source: Bond, Carol
GNAT
strain at gnats and swallow camels To criticize other people for minor offences while ignoring major offenses. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
GOAT
separate the sheep from the goats To distinguish the good from the bad. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
old goat an old man, a cranky man Source: Wayne Magnuson
a scapegoat One whom is inflicted punishment for the faults or wrongs of another. The poor scapegoat gets the punishment for everyone else's mistakes. God condoned this cruelty to animals in Leviticus 16:7-10 "And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other for the scapegoat." The scapegoat got to escape, and carry the tribe's sins into the wilderness, to be eaten by some animal instead of being offered alive as a sacrifice for the Lord. Source: Silly Superstitions and Funk, Charles
get someone's goat to irritate someone Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
GOOSE (GEESE)
what’s good for the goose is good for the gander What is good for one person is good for another; often what is good for the man is good for the woman. Also "what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander".
doesn’t have the sense god gave geese Stupid. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
goose hangs high everything is good Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
slick as goose grease smooth and slick Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
goose flesh the bumpy condition of the skin induced by cold, fear, etc., caused by contraction of the muscles at the base of the hair follicles with consequent erection of papillae: so called because of the resemblance to the skin of a freshly-plucked fowl. Also called: goose bumps, goose pimples, goose skin Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
goose step a military march step in which the leg is swung rigidly to an exaggerated height. esp as in the German army in the Third Reich Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
all his geese are swans he constantly exaggerates the importance of a person or thing Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
cook someone's goose Informal. a. to spoil someone's plans. b. to bring about someone's ruin, downfall, etc. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
kill the goose that lays the golden eggs to sacrifice future benefits for the sake of momentary present needs. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
goose to prod (a person) playfully in the behind Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
as often as a goose goes barefoot all the time Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
cannot say boo to a goose shy Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
a wild-goose chase A vain pursuit of something, which, even if attained, would be worthless. Source: Funk, Charles
GRASSHOPPER
Knee high to a grasshopper Source: Visitor Mathews, Brett
grashopper an iced cocktail of equal parts of cr*eme de menthe, cr*eme de cacao, and cream Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
grasshopper mind unable to concentrate on any one subject for long Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
H
HARE
As mad as a March hare Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
make a hare of (someone) Irish informal. to defeat (someone) completely Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds To support both sides of a dispute. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
if you run after two hares, you will catch neither You cannot do two things successfully at the same time.
HAWK
sharp as a hawk Source: Dianna Ly
hawk to offer (goods) for sale, as in the street. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
watch me like a hawk watch me carefully Source: Wayne Magnuson
hawk a ruthless or rapacious person Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
hawk-eyed having extremely keen sight Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
hawk a person who advocates or supports war or warlike policies Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
HEN
as scarce as hen's teeth Non-existent. Source: Funk, Charles
hen dialect. a term of address (often affectionate), used to women and girls Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
he that would have eggs must endure the cackling of hens You must be willing to endure unpleasant, irritating things in order to get what you want. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
have a hen to the nest have a work in progress Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
hen party party for only women Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
mad as a wet hen Mad. Source: Funk, Charles
HERRING
red herring False trail. Source: The Oxford Dictionary of Synonyms
HOG
independent as a hog on ice Cockily independent. Source: Funk, Charles
hogwash nonsense Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
go the whole hog Informal. to do something thoroughly or unreservedly Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
big enough to choke a hog very big Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
go whole hog to do something completely or thoroughly Source: funbrain.com
be a hog to take more than one's share of Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
call hogs to snore Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
even a blind hog occasionaly finds an acorn Old farmer's way of letting you know that you're not too smart when you have made a discovery or an accomplishment. Source: Paul Kiar
to go hog wild To become highly enthusiastic. Source: Funk, Charles
HOOK
swallowed it hook, line and sinker Believing something (usually a falsity.)
HORSE
a nod is as good as a blink to a blind horse Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
sounding horse Scratchy voice.
a charley horse Leg pain.
dark horse a little known, unexpectedly successful competitor Source: funbrain.com
a horse of another color Something of a different nature. Source: Funk, Charles
a one horse town A small town. Source: Funk, Charles
to ride the high horse To act pretentiously. In the 14th century, persons of high rank were mounted on "high" horses, meaning they rode the heavy chargers used in battle or tournament. Source: Funk, Charles
as strong as a horse Strong. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
don’t change horses in mid-stream Source: Wag the Dog -- the movie
look a gift horse in the mouth Having bad manners when accepting a gift. One can tell how old a horse is by looking into it's mouth -- it is equivalent to looking for the hallmark sign on the back of a greeting card. :) Source: Funk, Charles
to put the cart before the horse Doing something in reversed order.
every horse thinks its own pack is the heaviest Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
there's no sense beating a dead horse Source: England, Sandy
straight from the horse's mouth From the highest authority. The age of a race-horse can be guessed by looking at its teeth. So no matter what any one says on how old the horse is, one can tell by looking in the horse's mouth. Source: Funk, Charles
if two ride on a horse, one must ride behind When two people do something together, one of them will be the leader and the other will be the subordinate. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
if wishes were horses then beggars would ride It's no good just wishing. You have to act. Source: Turner, Martin
it is too late to shut the stable door when the horse is stolen Don't procrastinate.
wild horse couldn’t drag me away Even the most disasterous events won't keep me from coming. Source: Sophie woodruff you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink Source: Turner, Martin horse-sense Source: Dianna Ly
so hungry I could eat a horse Hungry. Source: Big List of Cliches
set a beggar on horseback, and he’ll ride to the devil Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
a horse of different color Entirely different situation. Source: Dianna Ly
horsing around Joking around.
hold your horses Just wait a second. Source: Burns, Tammy
HOUND
as clean as a hound’s tooth Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds To support both sides of a dispute. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
being hounded Being bothered.
J
JAYBIRD
as naked as a jaybird Bare, naked, unadorned. Source: Visitor MMol876566
K
KITTENS
have kittens To throw a fit. Source: Liana Kiff
dust kitten a clump of dust or lint Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
L
LAMB
as gentle as a lamb Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
like a lamb to the slaughter without resistance Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
lamb down to give birth Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
Lamb of God a title given to Christ in the New Testament Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
mutton dressed as lamb British expression - Meaning a grown/older woman dressed like a teen/young girl. Ie. 60 year olds in mini skirts are considered mutton dressed as lamb. Source: Dog Hause Visitor Victoria Evans
two shakes of a lamb’s tail Very fast. Source: Funk, Charles
as meek as a lamb Meek. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
in like a lion, out like a lamb comes in rough and goes out gentle -- usually the month of March.
one might as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb If you have decided to do something that will have unpleasant consequences, do it to the largest degree possible, so that you will feel the punishment was worth it. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
LARK
as happy as a lark Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
LEASH
on a short leash Held back by another person no being able to do what you want, usually used in reference to people within romantic relationships.
LEOPARD
a leopard cannot change his spots Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
LION
as strong as a lion Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
lionhearted very brave; courageous Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
beard the lion in his den Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
a lion's share The greater portion.
better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
in like a lion, out like a lamb It comes in rough and goes out gentle -- usually the month of March.
M
MONKEY
monkey see, monkey do That which is seen is copied.
throw a monkey wrench into the works wreck a project Source: Wayne Magnuson
funny as a barrel of monkeys Hilariously comical. Source: Funk, Charles
monkey a naughty or mischievous person, esp a child Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
have a monkey on one's back US and Canadian slang. an addict's dependence on a drug Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
make a monkey of a butt of derision; someone made to look a fool Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
who gives a monkey's what he thinks Brit. slang. to care about or regard as important Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
monkey suit US slang. a man's evening dress Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
as fun as a barrel of monkeys Something that was silly and hilarious. Source: Dianna Ly
I'll be a monkey's uncle I am surprised. Source: Big List of Cliches
monkey business (monkey-ing around) Something against the 'rules' (illegal, immoral etc) but not too serious. Source: Turner, Martin
a monkey in silk is a monkey no less No matter how you dress up something, for example an ugly person clad in a silk gown, it is still the same underneath for all the window dressing. Source: Thompson, Henry
brass monkey A metal plate to keep cannon balls from rolling around on war ships and many freighter. Source: idiomsite.com
MOUSE
a cat in gloves catches no mice Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
as quiet as a mouse Quiet.
burn not your house to fright the mouse away Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
keep no more cats then will catch mice Do not support anyone who does not or cannot do something useful for you in return. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
the best-laid plans of mice and men Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
the mouse that has but one hole is quickly taken It is dangerous to always depend on just one thing, because if it fails you, you will not have any alternatives. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
when the cat's away, the mice will play Without supervision, people misbehave.
MULE
as stubborn as a mule Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
mule Slang. a person who is paid to transport illegal drugs for a dealer. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
kick like a mule Sourse: Dianna Ly
grin like a mule eating briars to grin very wide Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye) animal idioms *d-f*D
DANDER
get someone's dander up to make someone angry Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
DODO
dead as a dodo Dead; obsolete; completely washed up. Source: Funk, Charles
DOG
gone to the dogs Taken a turn for the worse.
that dog won't hunt Source: Dog Hause Visitor Steve Rasmussen
the hair of the dog that bit you The drink you drink in the morning to get over the drinks you drank the night before.
Hair of the Dog (Australian Idiom) A saying Australians use "the day after". That is to say the following morning after being out drinking and feeling "seedy" (i.e. hung-over) - the comment will be made to have some "hair of the dog", this is to infer that if you have some more to drink, generally the same as you were drinking the previous night the hangover will be gone, or at least not noticed anymore. Source: Dog Hause Visitor Lesley Vlahos
my dogs are barking My feet are hurting Source: Burns, Sid Alt def: My feet smell Source of alt: Dog Hause visitor RinTimTin
in the dog house (not in our Dog Hause) In trouble.
dog tired Very tired.
sick as a dog Very sick.
dog and pony show Put on a good performance to impress someone, such as "I've got to do the 'dog and pony show' for my boss today." Source: Michael Babayco
look like somebody just shot your dog Source: Dianna Ly
two (or three) dog night Australian. the number of dogs needed to sleep cuddled up to for keeping warm
dog days of summer Very hot days in July and August. It is the period in which the Dog Star, Sirius, rises in conjunction with the sun. Source: Funk, Charles
a barking dog never bites Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
a dogs breakfast Something bad.
dog-leg right or
dog-leg left The fairway turns in a golf course. Source: Burns, Sid
better be the head of a dog then the tail of a lion Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
dog does not eat dog One disreputable person will not harm another disreputable person. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries) it’s a dog eat dog world Source: Cliche Finder
it's a dog's life It’s an easy life Source: Cliche Finder
dog my cats my goodness; what do you know Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
if you can't run with the big dogs puppy, stay on the porch Source: England, Sandy
a tough dog to keep up on the porch Source: Dog Hause Visitor Steve Rasmussen
every dog has its day The time will come to each of us to chuck one's weight around; to exhibit a periods of ostentation, influence or power. Source: Funk, Charles
if you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas If you associate with bad people, you will acquire their faults. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
call off the dogs Cease some objectionable line of conduct. The analogy is that of the chase, in which dogs following a wrong sent are called off. Source: Funk, Charles
mean as a junk-yard dog Very Mean. Source: Dianna Ly
dog eat dog ruthless competition or self-interest Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
quick as a dog can lick a dish fast, very quickly Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
sad as a hound dog's eye very sad; pitiful Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
a dog's chance no chance at all Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
a dog's life a wretched existence Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
sick as a dog very sick Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
bar-dog bartender Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
big dog important person Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
cut dog has no pups I don't want to cut the cards Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
like cat and dog quarrelling savagely Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
bird dog someone's buttock's Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
like a dog's dinner Informal. dressed smartly or ostentatiously Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
put on the dog US and Canadian informal. to behave or dress in an ostentatious or showy manner Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
let sleeping dogs lie Don't bring up an old issue/topic that will raise tempers or cause an argument Source: Lewis, Stacey (Who ever said let sleeping dogs lie, didn’t sleep with dogs…)
love me, love my dog If you love someone, you should accept everything and everyone that person loves. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
rain cats and dogs Raining heavily.
why keep a dog and bark yourself You should not do something you hired some one else to do. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
you cannot teach an old dog new tricks Someone who is used to doing things a certain way cannot change. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
crooked as a dog's hind leg dishonest Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
happy as a flea in a doghouse very happy Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
the tail wagging the dog Source: Wag the Dog -- the movie
work like a dog Work very hard.
dog-faced liar a terrible liar Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
dog my cats my goodness; what do you know Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
a dog's breakfast a mixture of many things, a hodgepodge Source: Wayne Magnuson
top dog boss, leader, head honcho Source: Wayne Magnuson
like dog's breath not pleasant, not popular Source: Wayne Magnuson
dog in the manger a person who will not share something he does not use or need Source: Wayne Magnuson
dog it be lazy, not work Source: Wayne Magnuson
dogged me followed me, bothered me Source: Wayne Magnuson
go see a man about a dog go use the toilet Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
a dog's dinner or breakfast Informal. something that is messy or bungled Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
DUCK
duck soup Easy. Source: Funk, Charles
biggest duck in the puddle most important person in a small group Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck, it must be a duck Assume the obvious. Source: Big List of Cliches
duck out leave, run away, desert Source: Wayne Magnuson
it's the duck's guts it is great, it is wonderful Source: Wayne Magnuson
ducks in a row (ducks in order) organized, planned; each person knows his job Source: Wayne Magnuson
ducky great, fine, lovely Source: Wayne Magnuson
dead duck someone or something that is certain to fail Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
lame duck an elected officeholder whose term of office has not yet expired but who has failed to be re-elected and therefore cannot gather much political support for initiatives Source: funbrain.com
happy as ducks in Arizona very unhappy Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
a sitting duck An easy mark. Source: Funk, Charles
like water off a duck's back It rolls right off. Source: Arius Kaufmann
E
EEL
as slippery as an eel Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
EAGLE
eagle eyes a person who can see details or errors Source: Wayne Magnuson
ELEPHANT
a white elephant A cheap gift associated with a white elephant party. Alt def: A gift you don't want and you don't know what to do with it. Source of Alt: P. Bainbridge
an elephant never forgets Just that. They don't! Source: Turner, Martin
a memory like an elephant Never forgets. Source: Dianna Ly
big enough to shade an elephant very big Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
EGG
freckled as a turkey egg covered with freckles Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
a good egg a good-natured person Source: Wayne Magnuson
all your eggs in one basket depending on one plan or one investment Source: Wayne Magnuson
egg me on encourage me, tell me to do it Source: Wayne Magnuson
egg on my face embarrassed, outsmarted Source: Wayne Magnuson
goose egg zero, no score Source: Wayne Magnuson
suck eggs go, leave, have a bad experience Source: Wayne Magnuson
walk on eggshells be very careful Source: Wayne Magnuson
nest egg a fund of money kept in reserve; savings Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
skunk egg an onion Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
F
FEATHERS
If it ain't chicken, it's feathers. There is always a problem. Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
a feather in your cap an honor, a credit to you Source: Wayne Magnuson
horse feathers lies, false stories Source: Wayne Magnuson
knock me over with a feather I was very surprised, I could not believe it Source: Wayne Magnuson
ruffle your feathers annoy you, bother you Source: Wayne Magnuson
fuss and feathers fancy, troublesome things Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
birds of a feather individuals of the same character or background tend to stay together Source: funbrain.com
feather one's nest to acquire wealth for oneself, especially by taking advantage of one's position or using the property of others Source: funbrain.com
FERRETS ferret out to uncover and bring to light by searching Source: funbrain.com
FISH
sleeping with the fishes Watery death Source: Seinfeld -- the TV show
fish and company stink after three days fish should be eaten while it is fresh, and guests should not stay too long Source: Wayne Magnuson
shooting fish in a barrel a task that is too easy, a game without challenge Source: Wayne Magnuson
neither fish, flesh. nor fowl neither this nor that Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle Source: England, Sandy
fishing for a compliment Looking to hear a compliment for one’s own self.
a kettle of fish A terrible mess.
a different kettle of fish different, not the same Source: Wayne Magnuson
like a fish out of water Out of one's element. Source: Funk, Charles
busy as a fish peddler in Lent very busy Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
crooked as a barrel of fish hooks dishonest Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
got bigger fish to fry Source: Dianna Ly
drink like a fish A big drinker.
have better (or other) fish to fry More important things to worry about.
there's more than one fish in the sea There are always more options -- usually referring to the dating "pool". Source: Big List of Cliches
like a big fish in a small pond. Someone who has no competition in a particular group because of some trait; more rich, more beautiful, more talented. Source: Dianna Ly
fish or cut bait
FLEAS
if you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas If you associate with bad people, you will acquire their faults. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
to drop a flea in one's ear To caution. Source: Funk, Charles
happy as a flea in a doghouse very happy Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
FLY (and FLIES)
would not hurt a fly Wouldn't harm anything.
catching flies open mouth Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
a fly on the wall able to hear and see what a fly would see and hear Source: Wayne Magnuson
no flies on her (him) "savvy" Source: McDaniel, Karen
happy as a fly in pie very happy Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
you must lose a fly to catch a trout You have to sacrifice something to get what you want. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar It is easier to get what you want by flattering people and being polite to them than by making demands. Source: Bertram, Anne (Bowl of Cherries)
FOX
crazy like a fox Source: McDaniel, Karen
fox chiefly US a sexually attractive woman Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
fox Informal. to perplex or confound: to fox a person with a problem Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
fox to cause (paper, wood, etc.) to become discoloured with spots, or (of paper, etc.) to become discoloured, as through mildew. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
out fox to trick; deceive Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
sneaky as fox in the hen-house Source: Dianna Ly
FROG
biggest frog (toad) in the puddle The person of most importance in any small community or group. Source: Funk, Charles
frog spit or frog spittle a foamy mass of threadlike green algae floating on ponds. Source: wordreference.com, The Collins English Dictionary
frog sticker a short knife Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
frog in your throat Scratchy voice.
If a frog had wheels, they wouldn't bump their butts It is useless to wish for impossible things. Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye)
fine as a frog hair very fine Source: Bertram, Anne (Pig's Eye) *make*make (m  k)
v. made (m
d), mak·ing, makes v.tr.
1. To cause to exist or happen; bring about; create: made problems for us; making a commotion.
2. To bring into existence by shaping, modifying, or putting together material; construct: make a dress; made a stone wall.
3. To form by assembling individuals or constituents: make a quorum.
4. To change from one form or function to another: make clay into bricks.
5.
a. To cause to be or become: made her position clear; a decision that made him happy.
b. To cause to assume a specified function or role: made her treasurer; made Austin his home. 6.
a. To cause to act in a specified manner: Heat makes gases expand.
b. To compel: made him quit. 7.
a. To form in the mind: make an estimate.
b. To compose: make verses. 8.
a. To prepare; fix: make dinner.
b. To get ready or set in order for use: made the bed.
c. To gather and light the materials for (a fire). 9.
a. To engage in: make war.
b. To carry out; perform: make a phone call; make an incision. 10. To achieve, produce, or attain: made peace between the two sides; not making sense; didn't make the quota.
11.
a. To institute or establish; enact: make laws.
b. To draw up and execute in a suitable form: make a will.
c. To arrange or agree to: make a date. 12.
a. To arrive at; reach: made Seattle in two hours.
b. To reach in time: just made the plane. 13.
a. To attain the rank or position of: made lieutenant.
b. To acquire a place in or on: made the baseball team; made the newspapers. 14.
a. To gain or earn, as by working: make money.
b. To behave so as to acquire: make friends.
c. To score or achieve, as in a sport: made a field goal. 15.
a. To assure the success of: Favorable reviews can make a play.
b. To favor the development of: Practice makes a winning team. 16. To be suited for: Oak makes strong furniture.
17. To develop into: will make a fine doctor.
18.
a. To draw a conclusion as to the significance or nature of: don't know what to make of the decision.
b. To calculate as being; estimate: I make the height 20 feet.
c. To consider as being: wasn't the problem some people made it. 19.
a. To constitute: Ten members make a quorum.
b. To add up to: Two and two make four.
c. To amount to: makes no difference. 20. To cover (a distance): made 200 miles before sunset
21. To constitute the essence or nature of: Clothes make the man.
22. To cause to be especially enjoyable or rewarding: You made my day.
23. To appear to begin (an action): She made to leave.
24. Slang To persuade to have sexual intercourse. v.intr.
1. To act or behave in a specified manner: make merry; make free.
2. To begin or appear to begin an action: made as if to shake my hand.
3. To cause something to be as specified: make ready; make sure.
4. To proceed in a certain direction: made for home; made after the thief.
5. Slang To pretend to be; imitate. Used with like: made like a ballerina.
6. To undergo fabrication or manufacture: This wool makes up into a warm shawl.
7. To rise or accumulate: The tide is making. n.
Phrasal Verbs:
1. The act or process of making; manufacturing.
2. The style or manner in which a thing is made: disliked the make of my coat.
3. The amount produced, especially the output of a factory.
4. A specific line of manufactured goods, identified by the manufacturer's name or the registered trademark: a famous make of shirt.
5. The physical or moral nature of a person; character or disposition: found out what make of man he was.
6. Slang Identification of a person or thing, often from information in police records: Did you get a make on the thief? make for
1. To have or produce (a particular effect or result): small details that make for comfort.
2. To help promote; further: makes for better communication. make off
To depart in haste; run away. make out
1. To discern or see, especially with difficulty: I could barely make out the traffic signs through the rain.
2. To understand: could not make out what she said.
3. To write out; draw up: made out the invoices.
4. To fill in (a form, for example).
5. Informal To represent as being: made me out to be a liar.
6. Informal To try to establish or prove: He made out that he was innocent.
7. To get along in a given way; fare: made out well in business.
8. Slang
a. To neck; pet.
b. To have sexual intercourse. make over
1. To redo; renovate.
2. To change or transfer the ownership of, usually by means of a legal document: made over the property to her son. make up
1. To put together; construct or compose: make up a prescription.
2. To constitute; form: Ten years make up a decade.
3.
a. To alter one's appearance for a role on the stage, as with a costume and cosmetics.
b. To apply cosmetics. 4. To devise as a fiction or falsehood; invent: made up an excuse.
5.
a. To make good (a deficit or lack): made up the difference in the bill.
b. To compensate for: make up for lost time. 6. To resolve a quarrel: kissed and made up.
7. To make ingratiating or fawning overtures. Used with to: made up to his friend's boss.
8. To take (an examination or course) again or at a later time because of previous absence or failure.
9. To set in order: make up a room.
10. Printing To select and arrange material for: made up the front page. make with Slang
Idioms:
1. To bring into use: a flirt making with the eyes.
2. To put forth; produce: always making with the jokes. make a clean breast of
To confess fully. make a face
To distort the features of the face; grimace. make a go of
To achieve success in: have made a go of the business. make away with
1. To carry off; steal.
2. To use up or consume.
3. To kill or destroy. make believe
To pretend. make bold
To venture: I will not make so bold as to criticize such a scholar. make book
To accept bets on a race, game, or contest. make do
To manage to get along with the means available: had to make do on less income. make ends meet
To manage so that one's means are sufficient for one's needs. make eyes
To ogle. make fun of
To mock; ridicule. make good
1. To carry out successfully: made good his escape.
2. To fulfill: made good her promise.
3. To make compensation for; make up for: made good the loss.
4. To succeed: made good as a writer. make hay
To turn to one's advantage: The candidate's opponents made hay of the scandal. make heads or tails of
To understand: I couldn't make heads or tails of the report. make history
To do something memorable or spectacular enough to influence the course of history: The first space flight made history. make it
1. Informal To achieve a goal; be successful. finally made it as an actor.
2. Slang To have sexual intercourse. make light of
To treat as unimportant: He made light of his illness. make love
1. To engage in amorous caressing.
2. To engage in sexual intercourse. make much of
To treat as of great importance. make no bones about
To be forthright and candid about; acknowledge freely: They make no bones about their dislike for each other. make off with
To snatch or steal: made off with the profits. make (one's) day
To give one great pleasure. make (one's) peace with
To bring oneself to accept; reconcile oneself to. make (one's) way
1. To go forward; advance.
2. To succeed, especially in making a living. make sail
1. To begin a voyage.
2. To set sail. make sense
1. To be coherent or intelligible: an explanation that made sense.
2. To be practical or advisable: It makes sense to go now. make something of
To start a fight or quarrel over. make the grade
To measure up to a given standard. make the most of
To use to the greatest advantage. make the scene Slang
1. To put in an appearance: made the scene at the party.
2. To participate in a specified activity: made the drug scene. make time
1. To travel speedily.
2. To travel at a specified rate: We made good time getting to town.
3. Slang To make progress toward attracting someone: tried to make time with the new neighbor. make tracks Slang
To move or leave in a hurry. make up (one's) mind
To decide between alternatives; come to a definite decision or opinion. make waves Slang
To cause a disturbance or controversy. make way
1. To give room for passage; move aside.
2. To make progress. on the make Slang
1. Aggressively striving for financial or social improvement: a young executive on the make.
2. Eagerly seeking a sexual partner.
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