Do you want to improve your English with some colourful and fun expressions? In this podcast, we will teach you how to use 15 common animal idioms in English, such as “a fish out of water” or “the elephant in the room”. You’ll learn the meaning and usage of each idiom and we’ll give you some examples as well.

We’ve spoken about chicken idioms before: https://www.inglespodcast.com/450
There are no chickens today, but there is a duck and a goose!

Animal Idioms

A fish out of water: someone who feels uncomfortable or awkward in a new or unfamiliar situation. Example: He felt like a fish out of water at the cocktail party, as he was not used to dressing up and mingling with strangers.

The elephant in the room: a big or obvious problem or issue that no one wants to talk about or address. Example: They tried to avoid talking about the elephant in the room, which was their failing marriage.

A wolf in sheep’s clothing: someone who pretends to be harmless or friendly, but is actually dangerous or evil. Example: He seemed like a nice guy, but he turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing, as he cheated on her and stole her money.

A leopard can’t change its spots: a person’s character or nature cannot be changed, especially if it is bad. Example: He promised to be more honest and faithful, but a leopard can’t change its spots, and he soon lied and cheated again.

A bull in a china shop: a person who is clumsy or careless and causes damage or trouble. Example: He was a bull in a china shop, as he knocked over the vase and broke the lamp while moving the furniture.

A dark horse: a person or thing that is unknown or unpredictable, but turns out to be successful or surprising. Example: She was a dark horse in the competition, as no one expected her to win the gold medal.

A fly on the wall: a person who observes something secretly or unnoticed. Example: I wish I could be a fly on the wall when they have their meeting, as I want to know what they are planning.

A sitting duck: a person or thing that is easy to attack or target. Example: The car was a sitting duck, as it was parked in a no-parking zone and got towed away.

A wild goose chase: a futile or hopeless pursuit of something that is impossible or unlikely to be found. Example: He sent me on a wild goose chase, as he gave me the wrong address and phone number.

As blind as a bat: unable to see well or at all. Example: He was as blind as a bat without his glasses, as he could not read the sign or recognize the faces.

As gentle as a lamb: very kind or mild. Example: He was as gentle as a lamb, as he helped the old lady cross the street and carried her groceries.

As sick as a dog: very sick or ill. Example: She was as sick as a dog, as she had a fever, a sore throat, and a headache.

As stubborn as a mule: very obstinate or unwilling to change one’s mind or opinion. Example: He was as stubborn as a mule, as he refused to listen to anyone’s advice or suggestions.

As wise as an owl: very smart or knowledgeable. Example: She was as wise as an owl, as she knew the answer to every question and gave good advice to everyone.

Hold your horses: wait or be patient. Example: Hold your horses, I’m almost ready. Don’t rush me.

…and now it’s your turn to practise your English. If you’ve been a fly on the wall while we recorded this podcast, perhaps it’s time for you to say something! Don’t be as stubborn as a mule and send us a voice message with your own examples of at least 3 of the idioms we’ve spoken about today. https://www.speakpipe.com/inglespodcast
Send us an email with a comment or question to craig@inglespodcast.com or belfastreza@gmail.com

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The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’