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To be as "mad as a March hare" is an English idiomatic phrase derived from the observed antics, said to occur [1] only in the March breeding season of the European hare (Lepus europaeus). The phrase is an allusion that can be used to refer to any other animal or human who behaves in the excitable and unpredictable manner of a March hare. [2]
An idiom is a common word or phrase with a figurative, non-literal meaning that is understood culturally and differs from what its composite words' denotations would suggest; i.e. the words together have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words (although some idioms do retain their literal meanings – see the example "kick the bucket" below).
The English-language idiom "raining cats and dogs" or "raining dogs and cats" is used to describe particularly heavy rain. It is of unknown etymology and is not necessarily related to the raining animals phenomenon. [1] The phrase (with "polecats" instead of "cats") has been used at least since the 17th century. [2] [3]
Idioms from non-English cultures (4 C, 8 P) L. Legal idioms (3 P) M. Metaphors referring to animals (16 C, 31 P) Pages in category "Idioms"
Gorillas are used in the expression "800-pound gorilla" for their intimidation, similar to a powerful entity. "800-pound gorilla" is an American English expression for an entity so powerful that it can act without regard to the rights of others or the law. [1]
The innocent seldom find an uncomfortable pillow – William Cowper, English poet (1731–1800) [28] The labourer is worthy of his hire; It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back; The law is an ass (from English writer Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist) The leopard does not change his spots
To see a man about a dog, horse or duck is an idiom, especially British English, of apology for one's imminent departure or absence, generally to euphemistically conceal one's true purpose, such as going to use the toilet or going to buy an alcoholic drink.
Zoologists have repeatedly compared predatory animals which make use of aggressive mimicry to a wolf in sheep's clothing. [19] The idiom has in addition been applied slightly more broadly for aggressive masquerade, where the predator is disguised as a harmless object, not necessarily the prey. [20]