What better time to learn phrases about rabbits than at the start of their year on the zodiac? Here are some English idioms about this fluffy animal, a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity.
Pull a rabbit out of the hat
Meaning: to do something unexpected but ingenious to solve a problem
Example: With seconds to go until the end of the match, the footballer pulled a rabbit out of the hat to score a goal.
Dust bunny
Meaning: a loose, tangled ball of dust or hair, often found under a piece of furniture
Example: You should vacuum under the couch because there are a lot of dust bunnies there.
Go down the rabbit hole
Meaning: to get involved in matters that are difficult to understand and easy to get lost in
Example: Yesterday, I started watching a programme about famous mysteries, and I quickly found myself going down the rabbit hole.
If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one
Meaning: if you try to accomplish two different things at once, you will fail at both
Example: The government is trying to cut taxes while also spending more money on hospitals – but if they chase two rabbits, they will not catch either one.
Like a rabbit caught in the headlights
Meaning: a state of panic or confusion that makes it hard to think normally
Example: Every time the teacher asked Sandy a question, she was like a rabbit caught in the headlights.
Rabbit food
Meaning: salad, seen as not filling or tasty enough
Example: My father was shocked when he saw all the vegetables for dinner, and he called it "rabbit food".
Run with the hare and hunt with the hounds
Meaning: trying to stay friends with both sides in a conflict
Example: You can't run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. If you do, you will end up getting hurt.
Quick as a bunny
Meaning: very fast
Example: When the bell rang, Melissa was as quick as a bunny as she darted out of the classroom.
Fun facts
Other countries like Vietnam and Korea also follow the lunar calendar. But in Vietnam, instead of the Year of the Rabbit, they celebrate the Year of the Cat!
Quick questions
- Which animals besides rabbits are mentioned in the article?
- Why is salad called rabbit food?
- What do you think is the origin of "pull a rabbit out of the hat"?
