Idioms and sayings often draw from the animal kingdom, providing colourful and memorable expressions that capture the imagination.
However, many of these phrases are rooted in myths, misunderstandings, or cultural quirks rather than factual knowledge about the animals themselves.
From the supposed “blindness” of bats to the claim that a cat’s nine lives ensure its invincibility, these expressions offer intriguing glimpses into how humans have perceived and interpreted the animal world.
Explore some of the most popular animal idioms, uncovering the truths behind these fascinating, if sometimes inaccurate, sayings.
9 misunderstood animal sayings
1. Blind as a bat
Contrary to popular myth, bats are not blind. In fact, they are not even mildly nearsighted. Bats use echolocation, emitting ultrasonic pulses that bounce off objects and return as echoes. This allows them to navigate, hunt, and avoid obstacles in the dark.
The misconception about their blindness likely stems from their nocturnal nature and the extraordinary precision of their echolocation, overshadowing their actual visual capabilities.
2. Cute as a bug’s ear
The saying “cute as a bug’s ear” is misleading because bugs don’t actually have ears as we understand them. Instead, insects like grasshoppers and katydids have ears located on their abdomens and legs, respectively. Lacewings have their ears on their wings.
3. Eating like a bird
The phrase “eating like a bird” suggests someone eats very little, but this isn’t accurate for most birds. Birds often consume a significant portion of their body weight daily. Larger birds may eat up to a quarter of their body weight, while tiny hummingbirds can consume up to double their weight in a day. Birds feed frequently, sometimes every few seconds, and this high intake of food is essential for their energy needs, especially for those with high metabolic rates.
4. Happy as a clam
The expression “happy as a clam” likely originates from the longer phrase “happy as a clam at high tide.” This is based on the fact that clams, which are bivalve mollusks with two-part shells, are more protected from human harvesters during high tide.
The saying reflects the clams’ relative safety and contentment when they are less accessible, rather than any actual emotional state, as clams do not have facial expressions or emotions.
The saying reflects the clams’ relative safety and contentment when they are less accessible, rather than any actual emotional state, as clams do not have facial expressions or emotions.
5. Crazy as a loon
The saying “crazy as a loon” may stem from the eerie and varied vocalizations of loons, which can sound unsettling or “maniacal” to human ears. However, loons are not crazy; they are skilled water birds known for their excellent diving and fishing abilities. Their distinctive calls, including wails, yodels, and tremolos, contribute to their “crazy” reputation but are merely a part of their communication repertoire.
6. Crocodile tears
The term “crocodile tears” implies feigned sadness, but crocodiles do shed tears for physiological reasons rather than emotional ones. Crocodile tears occur because their lachrymal glands produce tears that can overflow, particularly when they eat. This is due to the buildup of pressure in their sinuses, not because they are faking emotion.
7. Stubborn as a mule
The saying “stubborn as a mule” mischaracterizes these animals. Mules, hybrids of donkeys and horses, are often considered stubborn, but they are actually very intelligent and cautious. They are known for their problem-solving skills and self-preservation instincts, which can make them seem uncooperative when faced with potential harm or overwork.
8. Cats have nine lives
The saying “cats have nine lives” is more myth than reality. It originates from the cats’ remarkable ability to survive accidents and falls due to their agility and reflexes. However, cats do not have supernatural survival powers. They can be injured or killed from falls or other accidents, and the saying is more a testament to their resilience and mysterious nature rather than a literal truth.
9. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
The proverb “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is misleading. Older dogs are capable of learning new commands and skills, though it may take more time compared to younger dogs. Research shows that older dogs remain mentally active and can learn as well as younger ones, though they may lose interest more quickly in certain contexts. Keeping older dogs mentally stimulated is beneficial and possible, defying the notion that age limits their learning ability
