There are lots of bird idioms and phrases used around the world in many different cultures, languages, and countries. Learning about the birds behind the idioms can help birders know more about not only the birds but about how all birds are part of cultural expression and common languages.
Bird Idioms and phrases & Bird Sayings! Learn common Bird idioms and phrases, and sayings in English with meaning and example sentences.
List of Bird Idioms and Phrases in English
(as) free as (the) air
Meaning: Happy and untroubled
Example: I miss the days of being free as the air, back before I had adult problems, like bills to pay.
(as) free as a bird
Meaning: Unencumbered; not restrained by anything. The phrase means the same as “free,” but with more emphasis
Example: Betty must be free as a bird because I never see her in a bad mood.
(feathered) oof-bird
Meaning: obsolete Something that is a source of money, usually in large quantities.
Example: You better come up with a reliable way to earn money, instead hoping for some oof-bird to fall in your lap.
(not) a dicky bird
Meaning: (Not) anything at all.
Example: We heard not a dicky-bird out of the kids all night – they were quiet as can be.
(Someone’s) Goose Is Cooked
Meaning: In serious trouble, with no hope of improvement
Example: After losing two sets to the invincible Djokovic, the tennis player’s goose was cooked.
a bird in hand
Meaning: Something of some value that is already acquired
Example: I think I’ll keep my modest winnings rather than wagering them all on the next horse race. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning: proverb It is better to have something less valuable than to pursue something more valuable that may not be able to be obtained.
Example: I think I’ll keep my modest winnings rather than wagering them all on the next horse race. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
a bird of passage
Meaning: A person who remains unfixed to a certain location, relocating from one place to another.
Example: The economy has forced me to become a bird of passage, moving around the state to wherever I can find work.
a bird’s eye shot
Meaning: A scene photographed or filmed from an angle above the subject.
Example: Stand on the roof of that building and get a bird’s eye shot of our lead actress walking down the street.
a bird’s eye view
Meaning: A view looking down at an object or area from a high elevation (as if from the perspective of a bird in flight).
Example: From up here you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire campus.
a box of birds
Meaning: In good spirits or health. Used in the phrase “be a box of birds.”
Example: Molly seems like a box of birds today—she must be over the flu.
Read More: Idioms to use in conversation!
a home bird
Meaning: One who prefers the comforts and familiarity of one’s home to new and unknown places or things.
Example: Our daughter has always been a home bird, officer—being gone for such a long stretch without at least making contact with us is completely out of character.
a Lame Duck
Meaning: A person or enterprise (often a business) that is not a success and that has to be helped.
Example: It leaves a lame duck with the responsibility of pushing the Maastricht Bill through the Commons.
a little bird
Meaning: An unknown person. Often used in the phrase “a little bird told me,” in which the speaker does not want to reveal the source of the information.
Example: A little bird told me that George interviewed for that open position in human resources, so maybe we’ll be free of him sooner than later.
a little bird told me
Meaning: I don’t wish to divulge where I got the information
Example: How do you know my boyfriend went out with someone else? – A little bird told me.
a rare bird
Meaning: Somebody or something of a kind that one seldom sees
Example: Diane Johnson’s book is that rare bird, an American novel of manners.
a Sitting Duck
Meaning: A person or object in a vulnerable position that is easy to attack or injure.
Example: When my car broke down in a bad neighborhood, I felt like a sitting duck, just waiting to get robbed.
an early bird
Meaning: Someone who is more active and alert in the early hours of the morning than later in the day; an early riser.
Example: I tried dating an early bird once, but since I like to sleep in late, it didn’t really work out.
be (like) a bird in a gilded cage
Meaning: To live a life of wealth and luxury but to be without true freedom, happiness, or contentment.
Example: John forsook his friends and family in the pursuit of his riches, but with no friends or loved ones, he is now like a bird in a gilded cage.
be (strictly) for the birds
Meaning: To be frustrating, annoying, or pointless. Primarily heard in US and Australia.
Example: Driving is strictly for the birds when you live in a big city—unless you like sitting in traffic!
be a box of birds
Meaning: To be in good spirits or health. Primarily heard in Australia, New Zealand.
Example: Once she’s had some time to cheer up, she’ll be a box of birds again, don’t worry.
be a rare bird
Meaning: To be a very unusual person or thing, especially due to a combination of typically incompatible features.
Example: The film is a rare bird—funny, crass, and yet more emotionally powerful than anything I’ve seen all year.
be birds of a feather
Meaning: To be very similar (to another person) in taste, preference, opinion, etc.
Example: I knew you and John would get along well. Given all the interests you share, it seemed pretty clear that you were birds of a feather.
be birds of the same feather
Meaning: To be very similar (to another person) in taste, preference, opinion, etc.
Example: Janet and I have always been birds of the same feather. There’s very little that we don’t agree on.
bird
Meaning: A man of some peculiar quality (indicated by a preceding modifier).
Example: Some odd-looking bird came into the shop today looking for a rare antique.
bird has flown, the
Meaning: Someone or something has left, fled, escaped, etc.; someone or something is no longer here.
Example: I’m afraid you’re not going to find him here. The bird has flown.
Read More: American idioms with meaning and example
bird in (one’s) bosom
Meaning: An oath of faith, servitude, piety, or conscience that is kept guarded in one’s heart, mind, and spirit.
Example: Truly, my lord, I am at your service and loyal to your name, and I shall guard the bird in my bosom till my last breath.
bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Meaning: It is better to have something less valuable than to pursue something more valuable that may not be able to be obtained.
Example: I think I’ll keep my modest winnings rather than wagering them all on the next horse race. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
bird of (one’s) own brain
Meaning: A thought or idea of one’s own conception, especially that which is confidential or unknown to others.
Example: I know not what she thinks of me, for that is a bird in her own brain and kept from my eyes.
bird of passage
Meaning: A person who remains unfixed to a certain location, relocating from one place to another.
Example: The economy has forced me to become a bird of passage, moving around the state to wherever I can find work.
bird watcher
Meaning: a girl watcher; someone, usually a man, who enjoys watching women go by
Example: You bird watchers should just mind your own business!
bird’s eye view
Meaning: A view looking down at an object or area from a high elevation (as if from the perspective of a bird in flight)
Example: Wow, what a stunning bird’s eye view of Los Angeles.
bird’s-eye view, (of something)
Meaning: a good view of something from high above
Example: From the church tower you get a bird’s-eye view of the town.
bird-brain
Meaning: A person who lacks intelligence or who makes stupid decisions
Example: I’m such a birdbrain. I forgot my driver’s license, officer.
bird-brained
Meaning: Characterized by stupidity, foolishness, or a lack of foresight.
Example: You’re so bird-brained. I can’t believe you got stranded on the highway because you didn’t put enough gas in your car!
bird-brained idea
Meaning: An especially foolish, stupid, or shortsighted plan or idea.
Example: A: “I’ve got a great plan for selling bees as pets-we’ll make a fortune!” B: “Here we go with another one of your bird-brained ideas.”
bird-dog
Meaning: To pay close, usually unwelcome, attention to someone else.
Example: Why’d you have to go and bird-dog me, your best buddy?
birds and the bees, the
Meaning: Lessons about sex, such as are typically taught to children or young adults.
Example: My mom talked to me about the birds and the bees this morning – it was so mortifying!
birds in their little nests agree
Meaning: Housemates should try to treat each other amicably
Example: Even though I know that birds in their little nests agree, I can’t seem to stop myself from arguing with my sister all the time.
birds of a feather
Meaning: Similar or like-minded people.
Example: I knew you and John would get along well. You’re birds of a feather, after all.
Read More: Idiomatic Expressions – Choose A Category
birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: People who have similar interests, ideas, or characteristics tend to seek out or associate with one another
Example: I knew you and John would get along well, seeing as you both enjoy science fiction so much. Birds of a feather flock together.
birds of a feather fly together
Meaning: People who have similar interests, ideas, or characteristics tend to associate well with one another.
Example: I knew you and John would get along well—birds of a feather fly together, after all.
birds of the same feather
Meaning: Similar or like-minded people
Example: I’m surprised Tony and John don’t get along. Given all the interests they share, I thought they would be birds of the same feather.
birdseed
Meaning: A very paltry or minuscule amount of money; the absolute minimum amount.
Example: Suzy’s brother has a connection in the stadium, so we got these tickets for birdseed!
birdturd
Meaning: An unpleasant or irritating person
Example: Ugh, I just washed my car, and there’s birdturd on it already!
boo bird
Meaning: Someone who is apt to boo, typically at a sporting event
Example: That questionable call against the home team has brought the boo-birds out in full force.
charm the birds from the trees
Meaning: To be appealingly and persuasively charming
Example: He isn’t the cleverest person on the team, but he could charm the birds from the trees, so people are naturally inclined to trust his opinion.
charm the birds off the trees
Meaning: To be appealingly and persuasively charming.
Example: He isn’t the cleverest person on the team, but he could charm the birds off the trees, so people are naturally inclined to trust his opinion.
charm the birds out of the trees
Meaning: To be appealingly and persuasively charming.
Example: He isn’t the cleverest person on the team, but he could charm the birds out of the trees, so people are naturally inclined to trust his opinion.
do (one’s) bird
Meaning: To serve a prison sentence. From rhyming slang, in which “bird” is short for “birdlime,” which rhymes with “time.” Primarily heard in UK.
Example: After doing his bird for the past five years, Mark is getting released from jail today.
do bird
Meaning: To serve a prison sentence. The phrase comes from rhyming slang in which “bird” is short for “birdlime,” which rhymes with “time.”
Example: After doing bird for the past five years, Mark is getting released from jail today.
eager Beaver
Meaning: The term eager beaver refers to a person who is hardworking and enthusiastic, sometimes considered overzealous.
Example: Give that big project to the new girl, she’s a real eager beaver.
eagle-Eyed
Meaning: Having sharp vision
Example: My eagle-eyed sister spotted the car in the parking lot before anyone else did.
early bird
Meaning: Someone who is more active and alert in the early hours of the morning than later in the day; an early riser.
Example: I suppose it’s more out of necessity than anything, but I turned into an early bird as soon as I had kids.
early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Someone who is very active and alert in the early hours of the morning is apt to find success.
Example: We need to get to the store early if we want to have the best selection. The early bird catches the worm, you know.
early bird special
Meaning: A special in some restaurants or similar eateries where some meals are available at a lower price before the usual dinner hours. Stereotypically associated with older people and retirees.
Example: Do we really have to go for the early bird special? We’re not 80!
eat Crow
Meaning: To admit one was wrong, and accept humiliation
Example: I am ready to eat crow. My prediction about the game was completely wrong.
eat like a bird
Meaning: To not eat very much. The phrase evokes the image of a pecking bird
Example: Don’t worry about making extra food for Kim, she eats like a bird.
eat like a bird/horse, to
Meaning: To eat large quantities of food
Example: Kim is staying for dinner, and she eats like a horse, so you better make some extra food.
eat like a horse
Meaning: to eat large amounts of food
Example: No wonder he’s so fat. He eats like a horse. John works like a horse and eats like a horse, so he never gets fat.
eye-view
Meaning: a view seen from high above
Example: Wow, what a stunning bird’s eye view of Los Angeles.
feather One’s Nest
Meaning: To take advantage of one’s position to benefit oneself
Example: Most politicians in our country don’t have the public good in mind-they’re just interested in feathering their nests.
fine feathers make fine birds
Meaning: Attractive clothing makes one seem more beautiful or appealing
Example: I didn’t think Sean was that handsome until I saw him in a tux. I guess it’s true what they say—fine feathers make fine birds.
flew The Coop
Meaning: Left, escaped
Example: He was never happy living at home with his parents, so as soon as possible he flew the coop and got his own place.
flip (one) the bird
Meaning: To raise the middle finger (a rude gesture of anger or displeasure) at one.
Example: I flipped my brother the bird after he said that he’d never seen a worse basketball player than me.
flip off
Meaning: To turn something off, typically a switch. A noun or pronoun can be used between “flip” and “off.”
Example: I flipped off the living room light and headed upstairs to bed.
flip someone the bird
Meaning: to give someone the finger; to display the digitus impudicus to someone
Example: Max flipped the cop the bird – and that was just the wrong thing to do.
flip/give/shoot somebody the bird
Meaning: make a rude sign at somebody with your middle finger
Example: What are you shooting me the bird for, I didn’t even say anything insulting!
flush out the bird
Meaning: To force a bird out of hiding, as when hunting.
Example: You know, you could use a hunting dog to help you flush out the bird.
flush the birds out of the bushes
Meaning: To cause birds to come out of hiding, as when hunting
Example: The sudden sound of the car engine flushed the birds out of the bushes all around them.
for the birds
Meaning: Worthless, stupid, or completely undesirable
Example: I miss my usual shift—night work is for the birds.
for the birds, it’s/that’s
Meaning: It’s useless, worthless; not to be taken seriously
Example: I don’t like this kind of life. It’s for the birds.
fox In The Henhouse (Chicken house)
Meaning: Someone who causes trouble
Example: The boss’s son is a fox in the henhouse. He does no actual work, and all he does is stir up problems.
free as a bird
Meaning: Happy and untroubled
Example: Betty must be free as a bird because I never see her in a bad mood.
free bird
Meaning: One who is totally unencumbered or unrestrained by any previous obligations.
Example: I’m a free bird this Friday! Do you want to meet for dinner?
get One’s Ducks in a Row
Meaning: Have everything organized; get oneself organized
Example: Sorry about all the emails. I’m just trying to get my ducks in a row before I go on vacation.
get the bird
Meaning: To be promptly and unceremoniously dismissed from one’s job, role, or position.
Example: That player sure got the bird after he dropped the ball.
ghetto bird
Meaning: A police helicopter, especially one that monitors or patrols through particularly impoverished areas of a city. Primarily heard in US.
Example: Sam is just a ghetto bird who has lots of skills but no job.
give (one) the bird
Meaning: To raise the middle finger (a rude gesture of anger or displeasure) at one. The phrase “flip (one) the bird” is also commonly used.
Example: The crowd gave that player the bird after he dropped the ball.
give someone the bird
Meaning: If someone gives you the bird, they make a rude and offensive gesture with one hand, with their middle finger pointing up and their other fingers bent over in a fist.
Example: He made a couple of mistakes and the crowd immediately gave him the bird.
have a bird
Meaning: To become distressed by something, often something surprising.
Example: Mom will have a bird when she finds out you’re failing your math class.
have a bird’s-eye view (of something)
Meaning: To have a view looking down at an object or area from a high elevation (as if from the perspective of a bird in flight)
Example: From up here, you can have a bird’s-eye view of the entire campus.
he Would Put Legs Under A Chicken
Meaning: He will talk your head off; he is very talkative
Example: Get ready to do a lot of listening if you go out to lunch with Karl – he would put legs under a chicken.
hit two birds with one stone
Meaning: To complete, achieve, or take care of two tasks at the same time or with a singular series of actions; to solve two problems with one action or solution.
Example: I might as well hit two birds with one stone and drop off my tax return while I’m at the mall for the computer part I need.
home bird
Meaning: One who prefers the comforts and familiarity of one’s home to new and unknown places or things
Example: Sharah’s a home bird really.
it’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest
Meaning: An unwise or disreputable person does things that ultimately cause them problems.
Example: A: “Oh man, why would he say something insulting like that about the boss’s daughter at the holiday party? B: “I don’t know—it’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest.”
kill two birds with one stone
Meaning: To complete, achieve, or take care of two tasks at the same time or with a singular series of actions; to solve two problems with one action or solution.
Example: I might as well kill two birds with one stone and drop off my tax forms while I’m at the mall for the computer part I need.
kill two birds with one stone, to
Meaning: To achieve two goals with a single effort
Example: If we have to go to Manchester for the meeting, then let’s visit Auntie Joan on the way there. We can kill two birds with one stone.
king of birds
Meaning: Any bird for which a group, nation, or culture has a great amount of admiration or respect, especially an eagle.
Example: Seeing a bald eagle up close in the wild, it is easy to see why the king of birds was chosen to be on our country’s seal.
ladybug, ladybug, fly away home
Meaning: A children’s rhyme said as a chant to shoo away the ladybug beetle
Example: A: “Look! A ladybug landed on your arm.” B: “Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home!”
little bird told me
Meaning: A phrase used when one does not want to reveal the source of the information that one is about to share or has shared.
Example: A: “Did you hear that Mark is planning to propose to Sarah soon?” B: “Yes, a little bird told me.”
little bird told one, a
Meaning: I have information from a secret source.
Example: How did you learn they were getting a divorce?-Oh, a little bird told me.
lovebirds
Meaning: Two people who make obvious their romantic relationship, as through frequent expressions of intimacy and affection.
Example: How are the two lovebirds? Are they still in the honeymoon phase of the relationship?
Night Owl
Meaning: Somebody who often stays up late or is active at night can be called a night owl
Example: My husband’s a night owl, but I like to be in bed by 10 o’clock.
not a dicky bird
Meaning: (Not) anything at all
Example: We heard not a dicky-bird out of the kids all night—they were quiet as can be.
not hear a dicky bird
Meaning: To not hear or receive any sound, utterance, or item of communication.
Example: We haven’t heard a dicky-bird out of the kids all night – I think one of us should go check on them.
not say/hear a dicky bird
Meaning: say/hear nothing
Example: 1. Don’t look at me! I didn’t say a dicky bird., 2. We haven’t heard a dicky bird from her for weeks.
odd bird
Meaning: A rather unusual, strange, eccentric, or peculiar person.
Example: His new girlfriend is nice enough, but she’s a bit of an odd bird, don’t you think?
old bird
Meaning: Any older person. The phrase can either be disparaging or endearing.
Example: Oh, be quiet, you crazy old bird.
on the bird
Meaning: Available to watch on cable or satellite television channels.
Example: I heard there’s a classic movie on the bird tonight at 9 – want to watch it with me?
rare bird
Meaning: A person or thing that is very unusual, especially due to a combination of typically incompatible features.
Example: Their latest model is a rare bird indeed, a spacious hatchback that still feels premium and elegant in its design.
shoot (one) the bird
Meaning: To raise the middle finger (a rude gesture of anger or displeasure) at one. The phrase “flip (one) the bird” is also commonly used.
Example: I shot my brother the bird after he said that he’d never seen a worse basketball player than me.
sick As A Parrot
Meaning: Very disappointed
Example: I was sick as a parrot after Man United lost last night.
sing like a bird
Meaning: To have a beautiful singing voice
Example: I was so impressed with Molly’s performance at the talent show. She sings like a bird – I had no idea!
snowbird
Meaning: One who leaves their home to stay in a warmer climate during the winter months (as to avoid snow and other winter weather). Often said of retirees.
Example: Now that my parents are retired, they’re total snowbirds—they leave New York after Christmas and spend the rest of the winter in Florida.
strange bird
Meaning: A rather unusual, strange, eccentric, or peculiar person.
Example: His new girlfriend is nice enough, but she’s a bit of a strange bird, don’t you think?
strictly for the birds
Meaning: Worthless, stupid, or completely undesirable
Example: Driving is strictly for the birds when you live in a big city – unless you like sitting in traffic!
swan Song
Meaning: A final appearance
Example: This game will be the quarterback’s swan song – he’s retiring after this season.
the bird
Meaning: A rude gesture in which one’s middle finger is raised, typically to show anger, disdain, or insolence. Usually used with the verbs “give” or “flip.”
Example: I flipped my brother the bird after he told me to go mow the lawn for him.
the bird has flown
Meaning: Someone or something has left, fled, escaped, etc.; someone or something is no longer here.
Example: I’m afraid you’re not going to find him here. The bird has flown.
the birds and the bees
Meaning: Lessons about sex, such as are typically taught to children or young adults
Example: My mom talked to me about the birds and the bees this morning – it was so mortifying!
the early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Someone who is very active and alert in the early hours of the morning is apt to find success
Example: We need to get to the store early if we want to have the best selection. The early bird catches the worm, you know.
the early bird gets the worm
Meaning: Someone who is very active and alert in the early hours of the morning is more apt to find success or opportunities.
Example: We need to get to the store early if we want to have the best selection. The early bird gets the worm, you know.
to Have Butterflies In Your Stomach
Meaning: To be nervous
Example: I almost didn’t go on stage and perform tonight because I had butterflies in my stomach.
tough old bird
Meaning: A resilient, physically hardy older person
Example: My granny was a tough old bird, let me tell ya. She ran the farm nearly single-handedly well into her 80s.
two birds with one stone
Meaning: Two tasks completed, achieved, or taken care of at the same time or with a singular series of actions; two problems solved with one action or solution. Typically used with the verbs “kill” or “hit.”
Example: I might as well kill two birds with one stone and drop off my tax return while I’m at the mall for the computer part I need.
ugly Duckling
Meaning: An awkward child or young person who grows into a beautiful person
Example: It’s certainly the ugly duckling of the era-until you get to drive one.
wading bird
Meaning: A type of bird with long legs and a long neck that is typically found in shallow water.
Example: Look at all that wading bird near the shore. I think it might be a heron.
what’s Good for the Goose Is Good for the Gander
Meaning: What’s OK For A Man is OK For A Woman, too
Example: My boyfriend complains when I go out, but then I found out he went out with his friends every night this week. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
whirlybird
Meaning: A helicopter
Example: The cops will be sending whirlybirds to track us down, so we’ll need to stay hidden in the trees.
wild Goose Chase
Meaning: An impossible or futile search or task
Example: The photographs might represent a wild goose chase after the random neuroses of an insecure young woman.
yardbird
Meaning: A chicken. Primarily heard in US
Example: They always give the worst jobs to us yardbirds.
you cannot catch old birds with chaff
Meaning: You cannot easily dupe or deceive those who are wise or experienced.
Example: A scam like that won’t work on the likes of Edith. She used to work as a private investigator, and she’s still sharp as a tack—you cannot catch old birds with chaff.
