Here are Some Interesting Animal Idioms:

• A cock and bull story – a false story to be given as an excuse. Example: When she had to take leave for seven days, she told a cock and bull story to her manager.

• A dark horse – person with hidden qualities. Example: He turned out to be a Dark Horse of our department by not only handling his job well, but also by contributing in the progress of the department as well as organization.

• Donkey’s years – a very long time. Example: They have been harassing me for Donkey’s years.

• A dumb bunny – a stupid or silly person. Example: Sometimes she may be a dumb bunny, but that doesn’t mean that she can’t give you good suggestions.

• Dog eats dog – ruthless competition wherein people do anything to get success. Example: In a world where Dog eats Dog do you expect her not to play mind-games with you?

• The elephant in the room – a problem or a complicated situation no one wants to talk about. Example: Increasing rape incidents in the country are the politicians’ elephant in the room.

• A horse of a different colour – completely different, especially in comparison to something else. Example: Sexual harassment at work place is not same as manipulation and exploitation. It’s a horse of a different colour.

• A little bird told me – when the speaker knows the informant, but doesn’t want to disclose the name. Example: I asked him curiously, ”Who told you about this incident?” And he replied that a little bird had told him.

• A leopard cannot change its spots – one cannot change one’s basic nature/character. Example: After forgiving them again and again, but finding them to be as cruel and insensitive as they have always been. I came to the conclusion that a leopard cannot change its spots.

• The lion’s share – major share. Example: Sakshi won the bet so she got the Lion’s share of the entire profit.

• Let the cat out of the bag – disclose a secret by mistake. Example: Tanu let the cat out of the bag about Goldie’s involvement in the entire controversy.

• Let sleeping dogs lie – to leave some complicated situation as it is so as to avoid further trouble. Example: You should let the sleeping dogs lie and not react to whatever they say.

• Like a fish out of water – to be uncomfortable in a new environment/situation. Example: During the early days after my marriage, I felt like a fish out of water.