Last week, we explored nine common animal idioms in English that you can teach your ESL students. We covered expressions featuring animals like the dog, cat, pig, lion, elephant, monkey, snake, horse, and cow.

This week, we’re back with nine more fun and useful animal idioms to add to your English lessons.

1) Sheep

Idiom: Sheepish

Meaning: Embarrassed or shy

Example: He gave me a sheepish grin after realizing his mistake.

2) Chicken

Idiom: Chicken out

Meaning: To back out of something because of fear

Example: He wanted to ask her out but chickened out at the last minute.

3) Fox

Idiom: Sly as a fox

Meaning: Very clever or sneaky

Example: Don’t let her fool you, she’s sly as a fox.

4) Bear

Idiom: Bear hug

Meaning: A very tight, affectionate hug

Example: My friend gave me a big bear hug after not seeing me for years.

5) Turtle

Idiom: At a turtle’s pace

Meaning: Moving very slowly

Example: Can you hurry up? You’re moving at a turtle’s pace.

6) Rabbit

Idiom: Go down the rabbit hole

Meaning: To become deeply absorbed in something, often for a long time

Example: He got curious about outer space and went down the rabbit hole researching it for hours.

7) Wolf

Idiom: A wolf in sheep’s clothing

Meaning: Someone who pretends to be kind or harmless but has bad intentions

Example: Be careful, he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

8) Bird

Idiom: Early bird

Meaning: Someone who wakes up early or gets things done ahead of time

Example: She’s such an early bird, always at the gym before sunrise.

9) Deer

Idiom: Like a deer caught in the headlights

Meaning: Frozen in fear or surprise

Example: When they asked him a question, he looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

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Animal idioms are a fun way to make English lessons more engaging and memorable. There are so many more out there! Can you think of any other animal idioms? Share your favorites in the comments below!