What do cats, ducks, dogs, and whales have in common? They are all mentioned in this article, and they all have idioms attached to their species. Learn how to use scaredy-cat and how not be a sitting duck. Do you really need three dogs to have a three-dog night, and find out how to have a whale of a time.
A scaredy-cat – This informal idiom is often used as another way to call someone a chicken.
Cats are often seen as graceful, but they do not like it when unexpected things occur. I once had a ball python that got out of her aquarium and slithered into the living room. The cats – and I had around eight of them at the time – were not appreciative of this. I found all my cats in a half-circle in the living room, surrounding the snake, Jane, who was in a corner against the wall. The snake was most likely as scared of the cats as they were of her.
I put Jane back where she went, and the cats were really jumpy for quite a while after that incident. Any strange noise or even an unexpected touch would make them jump straight up in the air. It reminded me of the cartoon where there is a cat that has a dog sneak up behind it and bark then the cat jumped so high it stuck all of its claws in the ceiling.
A sitting duck – This idiom refers to a person or thing that is an easy target or defenseless against an attack or trick. Its origins come from duck hunting. A sitting duck is so much easier to hit than one in flight.
If a sitting duck is used to refer to a person, it is talking about a person who is in a vulnerable position. They have become an easy target for criticism, attacks, or unwanted attention. Their situation could also have humor (especially humor the one being attacked doesnβt find funny) applied to it.
A three-dog night – Right now I have a dog, only one, that cuddles up next to me as close as she possibly can each night. And it is a great feeling to have her there. A three-dog night descibes a night so cold you need at least three dogs snuggling up next to you as you sleep in order to keep warm.
This idiom has its roots in Australian and Arctic history. Iβm sure I could keep warm without Piper snuggled up next me, but there have been times in Australian and Arctic history when it was so cold that at least three dogs were needed. It can also be used to refer to an extremely difficult period in oneβs life.
A whale of a time – Probably inspired by the large size of whales as well as their playfulness, this idiom means that one has had a great, enjoyable time at a social gathering, concert, or any other place you can think of where you could have a grand time. Me? I could have a whale of a time watching television with a friend as long as it was great show.
Writing Prompt: Choose one of the above idioms, research it more, and then write a story around it.
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