Raise your hand if you’ve been called the black sheep of the family (the writer raises a hand). Or you told someone to let the cat out of the bag. If so, congratulations – you’ve spoken fluent animal.
Sometimes we like to make expressions and connect a bunch of phrases that don’t have a logical explanation. They also often mean completely different things, which makes it difficult to understand, especially for people who don’t know many animal-inspired expressions.
But why animals? Well, just because they are relatable, vivid, and these phrases are often connected to their characteristics that we all know. This makes them the perfect metaphors for human behavior.
The question is, what are the other commonly used English expressions that animals inspire? Spoiler alert: There are many that you don’t know about. Here are the most commonly used ones, and if you’d like to learn more, maybe you should consider using tech tools to boost your English learning.
Let’s dig a bit deeper and find them all.
“Black sheep of the family”
Meaning: The odd one out, often in a not-so-flattering way.
So, where does this expression come from? Well, in a flock of white sheep, there is usually a black one or a different-colored one that is rare and often unwanted because its wool cannot be dyed. This made the black sheep stand out and not in a cool way.
Farmers often had trouble dealing with black sheep, and they are much harder to sell.
So, it became an expression that means that you are a unique individual in a flock of white sheep, who has different views, behavior or appearance.
Modern twist: These days, being the black sheep isn’t all bad—it’s often the one who breaks the rules that ends up starting a business or writing a book.
“Let the cat out of the bag”
Meaning: Accidentally revealing a secret.
This likely comes from a market scam in the olden days. Unsuspecting buyers would pay for a piglet in a sack—only to get home and find a cat inside instead. If someone “let the cat out of the bag,” the trick was exposed.
Translation: You blabbed. You spilled the beans. You were that person in the group chat who ruined the surprise party.
“Hold your horses”
Meaning: Calm down, be patient, don’t rush.
There isn’t an exciting story behind this expression since it is quite literal. Back in the horse-and-cart days, where horses pulled carriages and they were the primary source of transport, you literally had to hold your horses to stop them from charging forward.
So, it kind of makes sense when it is used in a sense to slow down.
Okay, maybe not in horse racing, since nobody yells “hold your horses” since it is all about speed. Jockeys here are trying to run as fast as possible, and slowing down isn’t an option. That’s why when we all browse TwinSpires to make a bet we are looking for the fastest horse from previous races.
However, this expression came from the busy cities, where horses could make a mess if they start running fast.
The question is, when to use this expression? – Well, you can use it when your friend is three espresso shots in and trying to book a spontaneous trip to Iceland. So, HOLD YOUR HORSES!
“Snake in the grass”
Meaning: A sneaky or untrustworthy person who hides their true intentions.
Origin story: The phrase goes back to Roman poetry (yes, really). A serpent lying quietly in the grass was a metaphor for danger lurking where you least expect it.
Think of that coworker who smiles in every Zoom call but low-key throws you under the bus in the Monday memo.
“Let sleeping dogs lie”
Meaning: Don’t stir up trouble, especially from the past.
Origin story: It’s probably as old as dog ownership itself. If a dog’s asleep, don’t wake it. You might get barked at, or worse, bitten. In conversation, it means avoiding a topic that might reignite drama.
Everyday use: When your cousin brings up an argument from 2008 over Thanksgiving dinner and you whisper, “Please. Let sleeping dogs lie.”
“Birds of a feather flock together”
Meaning: People who are similar tend to stick together.
Origin story: A nature observation that became a proverb. Birds of the same species naturally group together. Likewise, your sneakerhead friends or fellow astrology junkies probably found each other for a reason.
Reality check: If all your friends are chaotic night owls with a caffeine addiction… well, at least you’re consistent.
“Monkey business”
Meaning: Mischief, nonsense, or suspicious behavior.
Origin story: Monkeys are known for being playful and chaotic—traits that humans sometimes mirror in less-than-serious situations.
Office edition: When your boss walks in and you’re trying to balance a donut on a coworker’s stapler. Monkey business? Absolutely.
“The elephant in the room”
Meaning: A big, obvious issue everyone’s ignoring.
Origin story: Coined in the 20th century, it imagines a giant elephant awkwardly hanging out in your living room while everyone politely talks about the weather.
Real-life example: You show up at brunch with your ex and pretend like everything’s normal. Everyone notices. No one says a word. That’s the elephant, and it’s sipping a mimosa.
“Chicken out”
Meaning: To back out of something because of fear.
Origin story: Chickens are known for being, well, not the bravest creatures on the farm. If someone “chickens out,” they’re avoiding risk.
Use it when: Your friend agrees to go skydiving but then pretends they “forgot their shoes” on jump day.
“Sly as a fox”
Meaning: Clever and sneaky—sometimes a little too clever.
Origin story: Foxes have long been symbols of cunning across cultures. This phrase is usually a compliment with a side of warning.
In action: That person who always finds a way to skip the line but somehow stays friends with the security guard? Sly. Foxy, even.
Which one do you use most often? Let us know in the comments.
