On a recent early morning game drive, as the first light of dawn broke over the bush, my guests and I discussed how often we have used the phrase
“the early bird catches the worm“.
We watched as the animals began to stir, birds darting through the cool air, some already finding their first meal of the day. We discussed how wildlife influences our everyday language, often in ways we don’t even realize. From sayings such as ‘crocodile tears’ to ‘taking the bull by the horns’, these idioms, drawn from the natural world, reflect both the behaviour of animals and the lessons nature teaches us. After the drive, I decided to look into a few more of these idioms, to see where they originated and the insights they provided in everyday life.
The early bird catches the worm – In this case, a Yellow-billed Hornbill feeds on a caterpillar. The phrase reminds us that being proactive and seizing opportunities early often leads to success, a lesson we can easily observe in the wild.
‘Water Off a Duck’s Back’
This phrase refers to the ability to let criticism or difficulties slide away effortlessly. Ducks can produce a preening oil from a gland near their tails that coats their feathers, enabling them to repel water with ease. So, much like a duck in the rain, the phrase reminds us to not let negative remarks wear off on us – a survival lesson we can all learn from.
Two male knob-billed ducks engage in a head-high wing flap display to establish their dominance within a territory. I like to think they don’t hold onto any hard feelings once the dispute is settled.
‘Once in a Blue Moon’
A rare occurrence indeed, a blue moon refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, which happens roughly every two to three years. Despite the name, the moon doesn’t turn blue, but the rarity of the event gave birth to the saying, highlighting how infrequently something occurs and how nature shapes our sense of time and expectation.
An even rarer event is when two blue moons happen in the same calendar year, which happens about four times per century and will next happen in 2037!!
‘Crocodile Tears’
This phrase implies insincere sorrow, much like a crocodile shedding tears while devouring its prey. The origin stems from ancient myths that animals cry when eating, but interestingly, crocodiles do have tear ducts. Their tears are said to be a byproduct of feeding – as they hiss and huff during meals, the air is forced through their sinuses, mixing with fluid from their tear glands. This fluid helps clean and lubricate the eyes, but it has nothing to do with emotion, making the phrase a fitting metaphor for false displays of sadness.
‘Licking Your Wounds’
After a defeat or injury, animals often lick their wounds to promote healing. This act inspired the metaphorical use of the phrase, referring to someone recovering from a difficult situation. Scientifically, animal saliva contains enzymes that can help clean and heal wounds, adding another layer of truth to the saying.
While lions work together to bring down their prey, they tend to inflict injury on each other once the feeding frenzy ensues. Not only do they lick their wounds but groom each other, an important aspect of their social bonding.
‘The Elephant in the Room’
An obvious issue everyone is avoiding. Seeing an elephant up close on a game drive really makes this idiom come to life. These massive creatures are hard to ignore, much like the problems we’d rather not address in our daily lives.
When the ‘elephant in the room’ is impossible to ignore – a gentle giant reminds us that some things demand our attention, whether we like it or not.
‘Taking the Bull by the Horns’
This idiom encourages facing challenges head-on. Just like handling a bull requires courage and strength, dealing with life’s problems requires the same determination. Though few of us may face bulls, the metaphor speaks to the bravery needed in tough situations.
Taking the bull by the horns – or leading the charge in this case as this bull steps up with strength and confidence as a powerful bull at the head of the herd.
Reflecting on these phrases during the game drive made me realise just how much the wild influences our everyday language. Whether we’re getting up early to catch the worm, spreading our wings, or dealing with the elephant in the room, nature is never far from how we express ourselves. After all, the wild has always been a source of wisdom and inspiration especially when it comes to navigating social interactions, personal growth, and everyday challenges.
Great article Kelsey!
Thank you Cynthia 🙂
So many miles that separate…yet so many of the same colloquialisms! Interesting!! They do and don’t make sense, but have the same meaning. Years ago in China our tour guide said it was “Raining Dogs and Cats”. We all laughed because as we all know it only “Rains Cats and Dogs”!!!!!
I’m sure you had a laugh but yes still has the same meaning. Thanks Camille
How about “the ants are my friends, they’re blowin’ in the wind”? Always makes me snicker. [reference is misheard Bob Dylan lyrics]
That is another great one Willa. Whether on purpose or not it has stuck around.
Interesting reminders of the connection we have to nature through our observations and our language. Thanks Kelsey.
Thanks William, I did enjoy re-looking at these connections.
Great saying and great photos, Kelsey
this blog is great fun!
Thank you Christa 🙂
Kelsey your story on idioms in our everyday life is spot on. Especially the one o n Early bird catches the Worm. Taking the bull by the horns is often used for taking a problem head on and no deviation. Good idioms and well spoken Kelsey.
Thank you Valmai, I’m glad you enjoyed the blog.
I always appreciate learning about the history and context from which our language has evolved. Thank you for sharing these. 🙂
My pleasure Chelsea, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Kelsey, your blog today was really fun to read and reminded me of all these old sayings that include references to animals. I especially love the one “crying crocodile tears”.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Denise! 🙂
Very god Kelsey. Most appropriate to every day living.
Thank you Ian!