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Proverbs on animals have been a part of human wisdom for centuries, reflecting nature, behaviour, and life lessons through simple yet powerful sayings. These proverbs not only make language richer but also help learners understand deeper cultural meanings and develop stronger communication skills. Learning animal proverbs is especially useful for improving English vocabulary, enhancing expression, and making writing more impactful. In this blog, we provide the meanings, origins, and examples of popular animal proverbs to help students and learners use them confidently in daily conversations and academic writing.
This Blog Includes:
- List of Proverbs on Animals for Students
- Other Common Proverbs on Animals
- When one wants to get rid of their dog, any excuse is a good excuse
- A fine cage won’t feed the bird
- Use your enemy’s hand to catch a snake
- Hunger will lead a fox out of the forest
- If there were no elephants in the jungle, the buffalo would be a great animal
- Cats don’t catch mice to please God
- When the mouse laughs at the cat there’s a hole nearby
- The crow thinks her own bird fairest
- Even a lion must defend himself against flies
- A horse is neither tired nor cold if it has grass and water
- A monkey never sees its own tail
- When a camel falls, even knives come out
- Where bees are, there is honey
- One scabby sheep infects the whole flock
- The leopard does not change its spots
- FAQs
List of Proverbs on Animals for Students
When it comes to animals, there are many proverbs that teach us lessons by using them as examples. As explained below:
| Proverbs | Meaning |
| The cat would eat fish, but would not wet her feet | It refers to a situation where someone wants something desirable, but they are unwilling to put in the effort or take the risks necessary to achieve it. |
| Every cock will crow upon its own dunghill | It means that people tend to be more confident and assertive in familiar surroundings. |
| It’s an ill bird that fouls its own nest | It means someone who harms or betrays the group they belong to, such as their family, community, or country. It’s a condemnation of such behaviour. |
| While the grass grows, the steed starves | It means that focusing on long-term solutions can be dangerous if it neglects immediate needs. This proverb applies the situation to our goals and aspirations. |
| A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush | It means that generally, it is better to be content with what you already have for sure, rather than taking a risk for something that might be better but is uncertain. |
| Never look a gift horse in the mouth | This refers to something that’s being offered without you having to pay or work for it. It could be a physical gift, a favour someone does for you, or even an opportunity. |
| Dog does not eat dog | It refers to a situation of ruthless competition where people will undermine or harm others to succeed. |
| A barking dog never bites | This proverb means that someone who makes a lot of threats or seems very angry is unlikely to follow through with those threats. It’s like the dog who barks a lot but never actually bites anyone. |
| Eagles don’t catch flies | It means that important or powerful people don’t waste their time on trivial matters or unimportant tasks. It’s like saying their focus is on bigger things. |
| Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched | It means that you should not celebrate or take something for granted before you’ve achieved it. In other words, the proverb is a reminder to be patient and wait until you’ve achieved your goal before you start celebrating. |
| If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas | It is a proverb that means if you spend time with bad company, you’re likely to be influenced by their negative traits or get into trouble yourself. |
| Fish and guests smell after three days | No host can be hospitable enough to prevent a friend who has descended on him from becoming tiresome after three days. |
Also read: 100+ Common Proverbs with Meaning and Examples
Other Common Proverbs on Animals
As mentioned above proverbs are brief statements that represent wisdom and traditional norms. Here are some of the common proverbs that are utilised in day-to-day lives:
When one wants to get rid of their dog, any excuse is a good excuse
Meaning: It means that someone who has already decided they do not want their dog anymore will find any reason, no matter how trivial, to justify getting rid of it. People who are determined to discard something will readily lock onto any reason, even a weak one, to support their decision.
A fine cage won’t feed the bird
Meaning: It means that material comfort or external appearances are not enough to fulfil someone’s true needs or desires. It is a reminder that true happiness and fulfilment come from more than just material possessions. It’s about focusing on what truly nourishes us, whether it’s food for a bird or love and freedom for a living being.
Use your enemy’s hand to catch a snake
Meaning: This proverb originates from Persia (modern-day Iran). Culturally, it reflects a view of the world where deception and cunning can be necessary for survival. It emphasizes that you don’t have to confront your enemy directly. You can be clever and use your actions or fears to overcome them.
Hunger will lead a fox out of the forest
Meaning: It applies not just to physical needs like hunger, but also to emotional or financial needs. People might step outside their comfort zone or take a chance at something risky if they feel they have to achieve their goals. This proverb can be applied to business negotiations. If one party is desperate for a deal, they might be more willing to concede or make sacrifices.
If there were no elephants in the jungle, the buffalo would be a great animal
Meaning: This proverb suggests that the buffalo’s “greatness” is defined in comparison to the elephant. On its own, the buffalo might be a formidable creature. However, when compared to the elephant’s sheer size and strength, the buffalo seems less impressive.
Cats don’t catch mice to please God
Meaning: This proverb goes beyond the literal. It suggests that people (or creatures) generally act out of self-interest, not necessarily out of altruism or a desire to please a higher power. They are motivated by their own needs, desires, or instincts. The proverb is culturally specific and might not resonate with everyone.
When the mouse laughs at the cat there’s a hole nearby
Meaning: The proverb suggests that the underdog (the mouse) is only brave because it perceives a weakness in the opponent (the cat). This weakness could be the cat’s distance from the hole, its lack of awareness, or even the mouse’s own heightened senses near its haven. The proverb reminds us that perceived safety can embolden us, but true security comes from a combination of awareness, preparation, and acknowledging the potential for threats to return.
The crow thinks her own bird fairest
Meaning: This proverb highlights the natural tendency of parents to see their own children as the best, regardless of other opinions. It shows how love can make us overlook flaws and focus only on the positive. It teaches us to recognize personal bias, especially when making judgments about people close to us.
Even a lion must defend himself against flies
Meaning: No matter how powerful or strong a person is, they will still face small troubles or annoyances in life. It reminds us that strength doesn’t make someone immune to irritations or minor problems. Everyone, big or small, has challenges to deal with.
A horse is neither tired nor cold if it has grass and water
Meaning: If someone’s basic needs are met, they can endure difficulties more easily. This proverb emphasizes that providing essential resources—like food, water, and shelter, can motivate a person to keep going even in challenging situations. It is often used to highlight the importance of meeting fundamental needs before expecting high performance.
A monkey never sees its own tail
Meaning: People are often quick to notice the flaws of others but fail to see their own weaknesses. This proverb teaches self-awareness and humility, reminding us to self-reflect instead of criticizing others unfairly.
When a camel falls, even knives come out
Meaning: This Middle Eastern proverb suggests that when someone powerful becomes weak, people who once respected them may suddenly turn against them. It reflects human nature, how some may take advantage of others during moments of vulnerability. It teaches the importance of consistency, loyalty, and integrity.
Where bees are, there is honey
Meaning: This proverb highlights that success or reward is always found where hard work is present. Bees symbolize tireless effort, and honey represents the result. It encourages diligence and reminds us that good outcomes are tied to consistent labor and dedication.
One scabby sheep infects the whole flock
Meaning: A single negative person can influence an entire group. This proverb stresses the impact of bad behaviour, toxic attitudes, or harmful actions within communities, classrooms, or workplaces. It teaches the importance of maintaining positive surroundings and avoiding harmful influences.
The leopard does not change its spots
Meaning: A person’s true nature rarely changes. They may pretend or disguise themselves temporarily, but their real character eventually shows. This proverb warns against trusting deceptive appearances and reminds us to observe people’s actions, not just their words.
Also Read: What Are Proverbs In English Grammar?
FAQs
1. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. – Don’t be ungrateful when receiving a gift.
2. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. – Someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous.
3. A big fish in a small pond. – Someone important in a small group or place.
4. Separate the sheep from the goats. – Distinguish the good from the bad.
5. The straw that broke the camel’s back. – A small problem that finally causes failure.
6. As wise as an owl. – Very intelligent or knowledgeable.
There isn’t a widely known proverb specifically about saving animals, but there are several proverbs and sayings that emphasise kindness, compassion, and respect for animals. Here are a few relevant proverbs and quotes:
– “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi.
– “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” – Anatole France.
– “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Native American proverb (emphasizing conservation, including animals).
– “An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” – Martin Buber.
– “A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” – Chinese proverb (respecting nature and its creatures).
Here are common quotes on animals:
– “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” – Immanuel Kant
– “An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” – Martin Buber
– “Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” – Orhan Pamuk
– “Wild animals are less wild and more human than many humans of this world.” – Munia Khan
Here are common animal idioms and meanings:
– Let sleeping dogs lie – Avoid bringing up old conflicts.
– Every dog has its day – Everyone gets a chance to succeed.
– Work like a dog – To work very hard.
– A dog-eat-dog world – A competitive and ruthless environment.
– Curiosity killed the cat – Being too curious can lead to trouble.
– Let the cat out of the bag – Reveal a secret.
– The cat’s got your tongue – When someone is silent or speechless.
– Like a cat on a hot tin roof – Extremely nervous or anxious.
– The lion’s share – The largest portion.
– A wolf in sheep’s clothing – Someone who appears harmless but is dangerous.
– A leopard never changes its spots – People don’t change their true nature.
– Monkey business – Mischief or dishonest behavior.
Related Reads:
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