Birds have long been an important part of human culture. From the soaring eagles in stories to the chirping sparrows outside our windows, birds are a source of fascination and inspiration. They represent freedom, beauty, and even wisdom across many different cultures. This is why people often use birds as symbols or in phrases that convey deeper meanings.
In this article, we will dive into idioms for birds expressions that make language more interesting and meaningful. Whether it’s about being “free as a bird” or someone “having a bird in the hand,” these idioms can add color and emotion to the way we communicate. Let’s take a closer look at some common idioms and their meanings, so you can understand how birds have found their place in the language.
Idioms for Birds
1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning: It’s better to hold onto something you already have than risk losing it by trying to get something better.
Samples: I know you want a new phone, but remember, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. / Don’t take unnecessary risks; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
To Put it Another Way: It’s smarter to keep what you have rather than risk losing it for something uncertain.
2. Free as a bird
Meaning: To be completely free, without any worries or responsibilities.
Samples: After the exam was over, she felt as free as a bird. / On weekends, I love to feel free as a bird and just relax.
To Put it Another Way: You’re not tied down and can do whatever you want.
3. Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: People with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with each other.
Samples: Sarah and Lucy are always together; birds of a feather flock together. / The new students formed a group right away, birds of a feather flock together.
To Put it Another Way: People who are alike naturally gather together.
4. Kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To accomplish two tasks with a single effort or action.
Samples: I’ll stop by the store on my way home and pick up dinner, killing two birds with one stone. / By attending both meetings, she killed two birds with one stone.
To Put it Another Way: You do two things at once, making it more efficient.
5. Nightingale’s song
Meaning: A very pleasant or melodious sound.
Samples: Her voice was as sweet as a nightingale’s song. / The nightingale’s song echoed through the garden.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a beautiful, calming sound, just like a bird’s sweet tune.
6. A little bird told me
Meaning: A way of saying you heard some information, but you don’t want to say who told you.
Samples: A little bird told me you’re planning a surprise party for me! / A little bird told me you’ve got a secret project at work.
To Put it Another Way: Someone whispered a secret to me, but I can’t tell you who.
7. Feather in your cap
Meaning: An achievement that you can be proud of.
Samples: Winning the competition was a feather in his cap. / Getting the highest score in the class is a real feather in her cap.
To Put it Another Way: It’s an accomplishment that shows how good you are.
8. Eat like a bird
Meaning: To eat very little.
Samples: She’s so tiny and eats like a bird. / My brother eats like a bird, just picking at his food.
To Put it Another Way: You eat only a little bit, like a small bird pecking.
9. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen before it actually does.
Samples: I know you’re excited about the job offer, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch. / She was planning the trip before she even booked the tickets don’t count your chickens before they hatch!
To Put it Another Way: Don’t make plans based on something uncertain.
10. Chicken out
Meaning: To decide not to do something because you’re scared or nervous.
Samples: I was going to ask her out, but I chickened out. / We were going to go hiking, but we chickened out because of the rain.
To Put it Another Way: You back out of something because you’re afraid.
11. Straight from the bird’s mouth
Meaning: Directly from the source, or from someone who knows firsthand.
Samples: I heard it straight from the bird’s mouth she’s getting married! / You’re asking the right person; I got the news straight from the bird’s mouth.
To Put it Another Way: You heard something directly from someone who knows.
12. To parrot someone
Meaning: To repeat exactly what someone else has said, often without understanding.
Samples: Stop parroting what I say, and think for yourself! / She’s always parroting the teacher’s words.
To Put it Another Way: You’re just repeating what someone else says without thinking about it.
13. Like a sitting duck
Meaning: Being in a vulnerable or defenseless position.
Samples: He was like a sitting duck when he forgot to lock the door. / Without a plan, we were sitting ducks for the competition.
To Put it Another Way: You’re exposed and easy to take advantage of.
14. Take someone under your wing
Meaning: To care for or mentor someone.
Samples: Mrs. Brown took the new student under her wing and showed her around. / He’s always taking the young players under his wing.
To Put it Another Way: You look out for someone, like a bird taking care of its young.
15. Wild goose chase
Meaning: A foolish or hopeless pursuit.
Samples: We spent hours looking for that book what a wild goose chase! / Trying to find her in that crowded mall was a wild goose chase.
To Put it Another Way: You’re looking for something that’s impossible to find.
16. Goosebumps
Meaning: The skin’s reaction to fear, excitement, or cold.
Samples: The scary movie gave me goosebumps. / When the band started playing, I got goosebumps.
To Put it Another Way: It’s the feeling when you’re moved by something.
17. Swallow your pride
Meaning: To admit you were wrong or apologize, even though it’s hard.
Samples: He had to swallow his pride and apologize for being rude. / She swallowed her pride and asked for help.
To Put it Another Way: You put aside your pride to admit something or apologize.
18. Eagle-eyed
Meaning: Someone who is very observant or quick to notice details.
Samples: The eagle-eyed teacher noticed the mistake on my paper. / His eagle-eyed observation helped solve the problem quickly.
To Put it Another Way: You notice everything, just like an eagle watching from above.
19. A wild bird
Meaning: Someone who is free-spirited or unpredictable.
Samples: She’s a wild bird who loves adventure and new experiences. / I think he’s a wild bird at heart, never sticking to the rules.
To Put it Another Way: They are independent and like to do their own thing.
20. In one’s element
Meaning: To be in a situation where you feel comfortable and natural.
Samples: She was in her element while performing on stage. / You could tell he was in his element when he was hiking in the mountains.
To Put it Another Way: You’re doing something that feels right and easy to you.
21. Parrot fashion
Meaning: To learn something by repetition, without understanding.
Samples: They memorized the poem in parrot fashion, not knowing what the words meant. / I hate studying by parrot fashion; I prefer to understand.
To Put it Another Way: You repeat something without really thinking about it.
22. As the crow flies
Meaning: The shortest distance between two points.
Samples: The store is only a mile away as the crow flies. / We could drive, but as the crow flies, it’s much quicker.
To Put it Another Way: It’s the direct route, without detours.
23. A bird’s eye view
Meaning: A view from above or a broad perspective.
Samples: From the top of the hill, we had a bird’s eye view of the whole city. / He gave us a bird’s eye view of the project’s progress.
To Put it Another Way: You can see everything from a high or wide perspective.
24. Feather your nest
Meaning: To collect or save money or goods for personal benefit, often in an unethical way.
Samples: He’s been feathering his nest by taking advantage of the situation. / She’s working hard to feather her nest for her retirement.
To Put it Another Way: You’re collecting resources for yourself, sometimes unfairly.
25. Turkey shoot
Meaning: An easy or unfair contest or situation.
Samples: The competition was a turkey shoot; no one could beat me. / The game was so easy, it felt like a turkey shoot.
To Put it Another Way: Something is very easy or one-sided.
26. Like a bird on a wire
Meaning: In a situation where you’re unsure or precarious.
Samples: She felt like a bird on a wire while waiting for her big presentation. / They were like birds on a wire during the interview.
To Put it Another Way: You feel nervous and uncertain, like you could fall at any moment.
27. To have a nest egg
Meaning: Money saved for the future or for retirement.
Samples: After years of saving, they finally have a nice nest egg. / It’s important to have a nest egg for emergencies.
To Put it Another Way: You have money saved up for a rainy day.
28. Robin hood
Meaning: A person who takes from the rich and gives to the poor (often used humorously).
Samples: He thinks he’s a modern-day Robin Hood, but I don’t agree with his methods. / The charity worker felt like a Robin Hood, helping the less fortunate.
To Put it Another Way: Someone who shares wealth with others, especially in an unconventional way.
29. The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Those who start early or are proactive have an advantage.
Samples: If you want to get the best deal, remember, the early bird catches the worm. / I always try to wake up early because the early bird catches the worm.
To Put it Another Way: If you act first, you get the best outcome.
30. Hawk-eyed
Meaning: Having sharp vision or an ability to notice even small details.
Samples: She was hawk-eyed during the meeting, noticing every tiny mistake. / His hawk-eyed gaze never missed a detail in the report.
To Put it Another Way: You’re very observant and don’t miss anything
Find the Topics: Idioms for Birds
Activity: Find the Idioms for Birds
Read the following story and find 8 idioms for birds. Underline or list the idioms you find!
Last weekend, I had the chance to visit the park with my friends. As we arrived, I couldn’t help but think that the whole day would be a bird in the hand because I already had the best friends with me. We spent the afternoon walking and chatting, and it felt free as a bird as we enjoyed each other’s company without any worries.
On our way to the lake, I noticed a group of people sitting by the shore, like birds of a feather flocking together. They were all wearing matching T-shirts and laughing. One of them had brought along a snack, and as I was thinking of how easy it would be to join them, I heard someone say, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!” I had been talking about going for a swim later, but they warned me not to get ahead of myself.
Later, as I was watching the ducks swim, I thought, “I’m lucky to have such a peaceful day. It’s like a wild goose chase trying to find moments like this in the middle of our busy lives.” We decided to take a group photo, and I couldn’t help but feel that it was a feather in my cap to have such good friends by my side.
As the day went on, I realized how lucky I was to have moments like this, and I knew I would always be grateful for the memories. I even joked that we were killing two birds with one stone by enjoying the outdoors and catching up all at once.
Answer Key
- Bird in the hand
- Free as a bird
- Like birds of a feather flocking together
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
- Wild goose chase
- Feather in my cap
- Killing two birds with one stone
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Conclusion
Idioms for birds can help us express ideas in interesting and creative ways. These expressions add fun to our conversations and help us describe situations, feelings, and actions in ways that are easy to understand. From being “free as a bird” to “killing two birds with one stone,” these idioms make language more colorful and engaging.
By using bird idioms, you can make your speech or writing more lively and memorable. So the next time you want to describe something simple or complex, try using a bird idiom to make your point clear and fun!
