Idioms add color to our language, enriching our spoken and written expressions. They often stem from everyday experiences and natural observations. Here, we explore 20 English idioms that involve birds, each reflecting cultural insights or practical wisdom, showcased through their meanings and illustrative examples.
Birds Idioms
1. A little bird told me
Meaning: Received information from a secret source.
Example: A little bird told me it’s your birthday.
2. Eagle-eyed
Meaning: Notices small details quickly.
Example: She’s eagle-eyed when marking our essays.
3. Bird-brained
Meaning: Foolish, silly, or not very intelligent.
Example: That was a bird-brained scheme, Joe.
4. Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: Similar people group together.
Example: They’re all artists, birds of a feather.
5. Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: Achieve two goals with one action.
Example: Shopping while walking the dog kills two birds.
6. The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Success comes to those who prepare well.
Example: I woke up early and caught the worm!
7. Free as a bird
Meaning: Completely free, without restrictions.
Example: Retired at last, he’s free as a bird.
8. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning: It’s better to keep what you have.
Example: I kept my old car, a bird in hand.
9. For the birds
Meaning: Trivial; hardly worth considering.
Example: That movie was really for the birds.
10. Bird’s eye view
Meaning: A view from a very high place.
Example: From here, you get a bird’s eye view.
11. Ruffle someone’s feathers
Meaning: To irritate or upset someone.
Example: My comment seemed to ruffle his feathers.
12. Wise as an owl
Meaning: Very wise, often solemnly so.
Example: Grandpa is wise as an owl.
13. Duck out
Meaning: Leave secretly or abruptly.
Example: He decided to duck out early.
14. Happy as a lark
Meaning: Extremely happy or carefree.
Example: She’s been happy as a lark lately.
15. Chicken out
Meaning: Too scared to do something.
Example: He chickened out of the bungee jump.
16. Like water off a duck’s back
Meaning: Criticism doesn’t affect someone.
Example: Insults roll off him like water off a duck.
17. Night owl
Meaning: Someone who stays up late.
Example: I’ve always been a night owl.
18. Go cold turkey
Meaning: Suddenly stop a bad habit.
Example: He went cold turkey on smoking.
19. Swan song
Meaning: Final act before ending a career.
Example: His farewell performance was his swan song.
20. Pecking order
Meaning: Hierarchy or rank.
Example: There’s a clear pecking order in their office.
Read More: 20 Wolf Idioms in English
