When Pigs Fly: A Look at English Animal Phrases

English is teeming with animal-related idioms and expressions. From describing someone's physical appearance to conveying an emotional state, animals play an important role in the language. In this article, we will explore some of the most commonly used animal phrases in English.

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

When we describe someone as a "wolf in sheep's clothing," we mean that they are pretending to be something they are not. This phrase comes from the Aesop's Fable, in which a wolf disguises himself as a sheep in order to prey on the other sheep. It is a warning to be wary of those who seem harmless but may have ulterior motives.

Hold Your Horses

If someone tells you to "hold your horses," they are asking you to be patient and wait. This phrase originated from horse racing, where jockeys would be told to hold their horses back until the right moment to make a move. It is a reminder to take your time and not rush into things.

Kick the Bucket

If someone "kicks the bucket," it means that they have died. This phrase's origin is uncertain, although it is believed to have originated from the idea of kicking over a bucket while being hanged. It is now a euphemism for death and is widely used.

Let the Cat Out of the Bag

When someone "lets the cat out of the bag," they reveal a secret or betray someone's confidence. The origin of this phrase is unclear, but one theory suggests that it comes from the practice of swapping piglets for cats in a market. Unscrupulous sellers would sometimes sneak a cat into the bag instead of a piglet, only revealing the deception when it was too late. It is now used to describe the revealing of a secret.

Cry Wolf

"Crying wolf" means to raise a false alarm or to pretend that something is more serious than it is. This phrase comes from another Aesop's Fable, in which a shepherd boy repeatedly cries wolf to trick his village. When a real wolf eventually appears, no one believes him, and the sheep are all eaten. It is a warning to be careful about how often we exaggerate or lie.

When Pigs Fly

Finally, we have the phrase "when pigs fly," which means that something is very unlikely to happen. This phrase dates back to the 1600s, and its origin is unclear. One theory suggests that it comes from the idea of pigs being unable to fly due to their weight. It is now a common expression to describe something that is highly improbable.

In conclusion, animal phrases and expressions are an important part of English language and culture. From cautionary tales to euphemisms, animals help us to express our thoughts and feelings in creative and memorable ways.