Idioms are phrases that have a meaning different from the literal meaning of the words in them. Many idioms use bird imagery because birds have been part of human culture for a long time. For example, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” means it’s better to have a small but certain advantage than the possibility of a greater one. Another is “to kill two birds with one stone,” meaning to solve two problems with a single action. Understanding these idioms about birds helps in learning English as they are commonly used. They add color and imagination to our language.
Idioms for Birds
Idioms related to bids are phrases used in auctions. They help in bidding and understanding the auction process. They are simple to learn and useful for bidders.
Feather one’s nest
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- Meaning: To enrich oneself, often in an unethical way.
- Example: He’s been feathering his nest with the company’s funds.
Cock and bull story
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- Meaning: An unbelievable or farfetched story.
- Example: That sounds like a cock and bull story to me.
Free as a bird
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- Meaning: Completely free, without responsibilities or restrictions.
- Example: After quitting my job, I felt as free as a bird.
Go cold turkey
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- Meaning: Suddenly stop an addictive or harmful habit.
- Example: He quit smoking cold turkey.
Early bird catches the worm
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- Meaning: Success comes to those who prepare well and put in effort.
- Example: I always start work early because the early bird catches the worm.
Like water off a duck’s back
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- Meaning: Criticism or insults that do not affect someone.
- Example: His comments were like water off a duck’s back to her.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
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- Meaning: It’s better to keep what you have than to risk it for something uncertain.
- Example: I might get a better offer, but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, so I’ll keep my current job.
Like a duck to water
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- Meaning: To do something very naturally and easily.
- Example: She took to her new job like a duck to water.
For the birds
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- Meaning: Worthless or uninteresting.
- Example: This new policy is for the birds.
Put all your eggs in one basket
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- Meaning: Rely on one single thing for success.
- Example: Investing all your money in one company is like putting all your eggs in one basket.
Have a bird
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- Meaning: To become very upset or angry.
- Example: She’ll have a bird when she sees the mess we made.
Bird’s eye view
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- Meaning: A view from above; an overview.
- Example: From the top of the tower, you get a bird’s eye view of the city.
Eats like a bird
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- Meaning: Eats very little.
- Example: She’s not very hungry; she eats like a bird.
Rare bird
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- Meaning: A unique or rare person or thing.
- Example: A truly honest politician is a rare bird these days.
Birds of a feather flock together
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- Meaning: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
- Example: Those two are always together in their free time—birds of a feather flock together.
Eat crow
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- Meaning: Admitting you were wrong after taking a strong position.
- Example: He had to eat crow after his prediction was proven wrong.
Pecking order
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- Meaning: A hierarchy.
- Example: In this office, there’s a clear pecking order.
Kill two birds with one stone
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- Meaning: Accomplish two tasks with a single action.
- Example: By shopping on my way home, I can kill two birds with one stone.
Wise as an owl
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- Meaning: Very wise.
- Example: The judge is as wise as an owl.
Chicken out
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- Meaning: To back out from fear.
- Example: I was going to try bungee jumping, but I chickened out at the last minute.
A little bird told me
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- Meaning: I got the information from a source I’m unwilling to disclose.
- Example: A little bird told me it’s your birthday today.
Be a night owl
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- Meaning: Someone who stays up late.
- Example: I’ve always been a night owl, even as a child.
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