LauraM Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 We have found in previous threads that there are lots of idioms in English that use animals, birds, and fish. It seems fitting that we shouldn't neglect the insect world. English also has lots of idioms with various species of insects. Here are a few for starters:"Busy as a bee" -- when one is industrious and gets a lot accomplished. "Fly in the ointment" -- something that ruins or spoils the fun. To have "butterflies in your stomach" means to be very nervous about something. Can you think of some idioms with insects? Please add to our list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
limon Posted November 18, 2013 Report Share Posted November 18, 2013 "To bug" someone, as in to annoy them. (Or in a more modern sense, to spy on them via electronic devices)"Fly on the wall" eavesdropper."If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas" basically meaning that having bad friends leads to bad consequences.Oh, and also more modern, the use of the word "crickets" on its own, like a stage direction, to indicate an awkward or anticlimactic silence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddrmario123 Posted November 19, 2013 Report Share Posted November 19, 2013 I have some to contribute."As snug as a bug," means to be super cozy and comfortable."Birds and the bees," refers to the mature talk about sexual intercourse."Ants in your pants," refers to someone who is very jittery and can't keep still. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Styx Posted November 19, 2013 Report Share Posted November 19, 2013 "Buzz off": To leave immediately. Mainly used in US English."Bugger off": To leave immediately (only more vulgar and rude). Mainly used in UK English, but is much stronger than the US equivalent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
limon Posted November 19, 2013 Report Share Posted November 19, 2013 "Bugger off": To leave immediately (only more vulgar and rude). Mainly used in UK English, but is much stronger than the US equivalent.Um... "bugger" isn't derived from "bug", and has a decidedly bluer meaning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Styx Posted November 19, 2013 Report Share Posted November 19, 2013 Um... "bugger" isn't derived from "bug", and has a decidedly bluer meaning. Oh? It is not derived from "bug"? Well in any case, its similarity to "buzz off" seemed worth mentioning. *shrugs* Also, "bluer" as in melancholy? Vulgar, yes, melancholic-- I'd have to disagree there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottman Posted November 20, 2013 Report Share Posted November 20, 2013 Don't let the bed bugs bite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linguaholic Posted November 21, 2013 Report Share Posted November 21, 2013 Some more insect idioms"to have a bee in one`s bonnet"Meaning: to have a fixed idea about something that stays in one's mind"a hive of activity"Meaning: a place with a lot of activity"put a bug in (someone`s) ear (about something)"Meaning: to give someone a hint or an idea about something / someone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banister Posted December 3, 2013 Report Share Posted December 3, 2013 For me I have heard and used various idioms that relate to insects the most common being.A Flea in One's Ear."This indicates that somebody has had, or will receive a cruel rebuke.I mostly use a fly in the Ointment when meaning something small and frustrating is ruining the whole thing.At times when have happy and cheerful is usually use the idiom as merry as a cricket. In addition I also use Don't Bug Me when I don’t want to be hassled, bothered or annoyed by another persons action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baburra Posted December 3, 2013 Report Share Posted December 3, 2013 "Free as a bird" comes to mind. I don't think it gets used as much nowadays, I rarely hear or read it being said anymore, but I feel this is one that really exemplifies the feeling of freedom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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