Learning English becomes fun when we use idioms. Some idioms are based on birds, and they are very common in everyday English. In this lesson, we will learn bird idioms with their meanings and short examples.
What Are Bird Idioms?
Bird idioms are phrases that use the names or actions of birds, but they don’t mean what they say word by word. They have hidden meanings.
Example: “Kill two birds with one stone” doesn’t mean you really kill birds. It means you complete two tasks with one action.
Why Learn Bird Idioms?
➡️ They make your English sound natural and fun.
➡️ They are used in movies, books, and daily talk.
➡️ They help you understand native speakers easily.
Common Bird Idioms with Meanings and Examples
Here is a table of useful bird idioms:
| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Early bird catches the worm | People who act early get success | Ali wakes up early. He knows the early bird catches the worm. |
| Kill two birds with one stone | Do two things with one action | I paid my bill and visited my friend – killed two birds with one stone! |
| Bird’s eye view | A view from high above | We got a bird’s eye view from the rooftop. |
| Free as a bird | Feeling very free and relaxed | After exams, I felt free as a bird. |
| A little bird told me | I heard a secret | A little bird told me it’s your birthday. |
| Nest egg | Saved money | She has a nest egg for the future. |
| Spread your wings | Try new things; become independent | It’s time to leave home and spread your wings. |
| The pecking order | Social rank or level | In our class, there is a pecking order. |
| Swan song | A final performance or act | That speech was his swan song. |
| As the crow flies | In a straight line | The place is 10 miles away as the crow flies. |
10 Bird Idioms with Meanings
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Feather your nest – Save money for yourself
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Chicken out – Be scared and not do something
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Eagle eye – Watch something very carefully
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Goosebumps – Small bumps on skin due to cold or fear
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Watch like a hawk – Keep a close eye on someone
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Night owl – A person who stays up late
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Silly goose – A fun or foolish person
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Hawk around – Try to sell something
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Like water off a duck’s back – No effect on someone
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Cock and bull story – A lie or made-up story
Practice Sentences
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My dad has an eagle eye when it comes to mistakes.
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Don’t chicken out now – be brave!
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She is a night owl, she studies all night.
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I got goosebumps while watching the scary movie.
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Let’s kill two birds with one stone and do shopping and lunch together.
FAQs About Bird Idioms
Q1: Are bird idioms formal or informal?
A: Most bird idioms are informal and used in friendly talks.
Q2: Can I use these idioms in school essays?
A: Yes, but use them in creative writing or stories, not in serious reports.
Q3: Do native speakers use these idioms?
A: Yes, very often! Especially in daily conversations.
Learning bird idioms is a great way to improve your English vocabulary and sound more natural. Start using these idioms in your speaking and writing to become more confident.
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