Animals in the Service of Language
There are a large number of striking and expressive words and phrases in English derived from the names of animals. Below we have given a list of such words and phrases. Students should try to master these as they would constitute a valuable addition to their vocabulary.
1. Comparisons. In comparisons the names of animals often occur. Note the following:
As blind as a bat. As blind as a mole. As sly as a fox. As bold as a lion. As gay as a lark. As busy as a bee. As hungry as a wolf. As fas as a hare. As fat as a pig. As fierce as a tiger. As fleet as a deer. As gaudy as a butterfly. As gentle as a lamb. As graceful as a swan. As gruff as a bear. As harmless a dove. As hoarse as a raven. As mute as a fish. As patient as an ox. As playful as a butterfly. As poor as a church mouce. As proud as a peacock. As silly as a sheep. As slippery as an eel. As stupid as a donkey. As tender as a chicken. As tricky as a monkey. As ugly as a toad.
2. Idiomatic use of animal names
A bear is a bad-tempered person. A cat is a spiteful woman. A drone is an idler who lives on others. A goose is a silly person. A gull is a fool. A lamb is an innocent, harmless person. A monkey is one who always imitates. A phoenix is a person of unique excellence. A viper is a mischievous or malignant person. A wolf in sheep’s clothing is a dangerous person.
3. Verbs
Some animal names are often used as verbs in an idiomatic sense.
To ape = to imitate in a ridiculous or ineffective manner. To dog a person’s steps = to shadow him. To gawk = to stare at in a foolish manner. To gull = cheat. To monkey with = to meddle with, or to play mischievous tricks with. To play the rat (in politics) = to desert one’s party in difficulties as rats desert a doomed house or a ship. To wolf = to devour greedily.
4. Compound words
We have some compound words formed out of animal names and other words.
Crocodile-tears = hypocritical weeping. Dog-cheap = very cheap. Dog-third = very tired. Hose-play = boisterous play. Horse-laugh = loud, course laugh. Hen pecked = a husband who is domineered over by his wife. Ox-eye = large human eye. Pig-headed = stupid Pigeon – breast = deformed human chest.
5. Idiomatic phrases and proverbs
Many idiomatic phrases and proverbs contain animal names.
To work like a leaver. To drink like a fish. To puff like a grampus. To chatter like a magpic. To send away with a flea in one’s ear. To cry wolf. To nurse the adder in one’s bosom. As the crow flies. To make a bee line for. A bird’s eye view. A wild goose chase. Calf-love. The lion’s share. Nine lives of a cat. As honest as Cooper’s cow
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