1、Animal Idioms我们学习英语习语的时候,如果对其产生的历史背景有所了解,就会有助于我们的记忆和应用,在翻译时也能更准确地表达原文的意义。He eats no fish.他是诚实的人。To rain cats and dogs.下倾盆大雨 2.1 喻义的鉴别 2.2 同一喻体不同的喻指含义 2.3 动物习语设喻的民族特性 2.1喻义的鉴别 动物习语的构成往往是约定俗成的,具有固定的搭配方式,因此在scent a rat(嗅出有老鼠)中没有比喻,只是字面意义;而smell a rat(觉察或怀疑其中有诈)中完全是用的比喻义。此外,有些动物名称需要与特定的词连用才有比喻义。to lead
2、a cat and dog life 夫妻之间的吵闹,以至于无法共同生活的情形 2.2同一喻体不同的喻指含义 都是用horse作喻体,只因定语不一样,喻义大不相同。flog a willing horse对工作努力的人加以鞭策flog a dead horse“重提已经解决了的问题”或“作徒劳无益的事”2.3动物习语设喻的民族特性 She is a cat 她是个包藏祸心的女人drink like a fish (to regularly drink a lot of alcohol)习惯性的豪饮 3.英汉语言中动物文化含义的异同英汉语言中动物文化含义的异同日常生活中，一般不能将人与动物相提并
3、论，但语言中却有不少借动物的特性来形容人的特性的词语。值得注意的是，这种比喻性表达法往往因语言、文化的不同而具有不同的含义。1.cat(猫)俗话说“猫有九命”，这是汉语的说法。此外，中国人常戏称嘴馋的人为“馋猫”。cat在西方是人们宠爱之物pet)，但令人奇怪的是，在英语理语中，cat的含义为a spiteful or unpleasant woman(心地恶毒或令人讨厌的女人)。照此看来，似乎是中国的猫可亲，西方的猫可恶了。2.dog（狗）在英语中dog的形象一般不差，常可泛指“个人”。如谚语:Every dog has his day.a gay dog。但dog也有形象不佳之时。dog
4、eat doga dog in the manger。在汉语里，尽管狗在某些地方也为宠物，但“狗”的形象总是不雅，因而用来指人时多含贬义。如“狗咬狗”、“哈巴狗”、“走狗”，“狗仗人势”、“癫皮狗”等等。3.bear（熊）在中国人的心目中，熊的形象一般是“行为缓慢”，因而具有“呆傻”之态;指人时常有“熊样”之说;目前形容股市不景气乃称“熊市”。但英语用bear指人时，则为a bad-tempered or bad-mannered person(粗鄙之人、鲁莽之人);另一习惯用语be like a bear with a sore head则表示“脾气暴躁”。4.pig（猪）英国人也给pig以
5、丑恶的形象。A pig意为a greedy，dirty or bad-mannered person(贪婪、肮脏或无礼貌的人)。注意，最后一喻意似乎未进人汉语。5.bull(牛)在英语中，人们把力大体壮的人或彪形大汉称为bull，把粗大的声音说成a bulls voice：在同类中大号的东西成为bull，如a bull ladle(大勺)。其动词用法如to bull a bill through Congress(强使国会通过一项法案)；He bulled his way into the rook(他挤过人群走进房间)。同是一种动物，两种文化中的内涵相差千万里。因此，汉语中的“老黄牛”“牛气
6、”“吹牛”等词翻译起来要格外注意，老黄牛 a willing cow；a person who serves the people whole heartedly”，吹牛 stubbornness；obstinacy；pigheadedness；stubborn temper；bullheaded；dogged”，牛气arrogant；self-important在英语中ox包含cow(奶牛)和bull(公牛)。Set a cow to catch a hare(放牛逐兔，徒劳无功)。He cowed his wife into obedience(妻子被他吓得服服帖帖)。The child
7、had a cowed look(孩子看上去很害怕)。只是在俚语里有时指粗笨肥胖的女人、多次生育的女人、婊子等。马马A good horse should seldom spurred.好马不用鞭 A good horse can not be of a bad colour.好马无劣色Dont change horses in the middle of the river行到河中不换马Put the cart before the horse 本末倒置Lock the stable door after the horse is stolen贼去关门Tis a good horse tha
8、t never stumbles马有失蹄说说大大话话”，汉语说汉语说“吹牛吹牛”，可英可英语语却用却用talk horse.talk horse.汉语汉语一一般用牛来形容力气大；而英般用牛来形容力气大；而英语语中用中用horsehorse，如，如，He is as He is as strong as a horsestrong as a horse.1.As blind as a bat.字面意思：像蝙蝠一样瞎 。Animal Idioms MeaningMeaning视力极差。ExampleExample Without glasses,he is as blind as a bat.Ex
9、planationExplanationHaving very bad eyesight.Having very bad eyesight.2.Have bats in the belfry字面意思：字面意思：在教堂钟楼里养蝙蝠在教堂钟楼里养蝙蝠。.e.g.e.g.Dont Dont take take any any notice notice of of what what he he said;said;he he has got bats in the belfry.has got bats in the belfry.KeyKey想法古怪，大脑有些不正常。想法古怪，大脑有些不正常。E
10、xplanationExplanationHave strange ideas;be slightly mad.3.Like a bear with a sore head.字面意思：像头疼的狗熊一样。ExampleExample He is like a bear with a sore head every morning.KeyKey脾气很不好。脾气很不好。ExplanationExplanationBe very bad-tempered.4.Make a beast of oneself.字面意思：把自己弄成个野兽。ExampleExample The husband made a
11、beast of himself every day and in the end his wife asked for a divorce.KeyKey行为举止不文明，没教养。行为举止不文明，没教养。ExplanationExplanationBehave in an uncivilized way5.Like a red rag to a bull字面意思：对公牛来说就像一块红布。ExampleExample To his wife,the invitation of her husbands former girl friend to dinner was like a red rag
12、to a bull.KeyKey使人非常生气的语言或行为。使人非常生气的语言或行为。ExplanationExplanationThe sort of thing which makes a particular person very angry.6.Take the bull by the horns.字面意思：抓住公牛的角。ExampleExample This threat isnt going to go away by This threat isnt going to go away by itself.We will have to take the bull by itsel
13、f.We will have to take the bull by the horns and settle this matter once and the horns and settle this matter once and for all.for all.KeyKey大胆地面对困难；毫不犹豫地接受挑战。大胆地面对困难；毫不犹豫地接受挑战。ExplanationExplanationFace a difficulty or danger boldly;meet a challenge directly.7.Kill the fatted calf.字面意思：杀肥牛犊。Example
14、Example He welcomed me at home by killing the fatted calf.KeyKey为为欢欢迎迎某某人人而而举举行行丰丰盛盛的的宴宴席席；把把最最好好的的东东西西拿出来给别人吃。拿出来给别人吃。ExplanationExplanationMake a feast to welcome somebody.8.Worship the golden calf.字面意思：崇拜金牛犊。ExampleExample These days many people worship the golden calf,as a result,the crime rate
15、has increased.KeyKey为个人得失而放弃原则或崇拜金钱；拜金主义。为个人得失而放弃原则或崇拜金钱；拜金主义。ExplanationExplanationWorship money;abandon ones principles for the sake of gains.9.The straw that broke the camels back.字面意思：压断骆驼背的那根草。ExampleExample The husband accepted his former girl friends invitation to dinner,and his wife asked fo
16、r a divorce because this was the straw that broke the camels back.KeyKey使使人人崩崩溃溃或或形形势势恶恶化化到到不不能能容容忍忍的的最最后后一一件件事事。英英文文还还有有一一句句类类似似谚谚语语：The The last last straw straw will will break break a a camels camels backback（最最后后一一根根草草也也会会压压断断骆驼的背）。骆驼的背）。ExplanationExplanationSomething added to a situation whic
17、h makes it intolerable.10.Lead a cat and dog life.字面意思：像猫和狗生活在一起一样。ExampleExample They had led a cat and dog life ever since the beginning of their marriage.KeyKey无无休休止止的的吵吵闹闹，尤尤其其是是在在夫夫妻妻或或一一家家人人之之间间。变体：变体：Live like cat and dog.Live like cat and dog.ExplanationExplanation Be always quarreling(betwe
18、en wife and husband)11.Put the cat among the pigeons.字面意思：把猫放在一群鸽子中间。ExampleExample When Tony told of Marys problems with the police,he really put the cat among the pigeons.KeyKey制制造造麻麻烦烦、挑挑起起事事端端、引引起起争争端端，特特别别指指突突如如其其来来的的行行为为。变变体体：Set Set the the cat cat among among the the pigeons.pigeons.Explanat
19、ionExplanation Cause trouble or a disturbance,especially by doing or saying something unexpectedly or suddenly.12.Let the cat out of the bag.字面意思：让猫钻出袋子。ExampleExample His promotion was supposed to be a secret;but someone let the cat out of the bag and so everybody in the company knew of his promoti
20、on.KeyKey泄泄露露秘秘密密。说说明明：过过去去曾曾有有不不法法分分子子为为赚赚钱钱，把猫装在袋子里当小猪卖。现比喻把猫装在袋子里当小猪卖。现比喻 露馅儿露馅儿。ExplanationExplanationGive away a secret.13.Not enough room to swing a cat字面意思：没有足够的空间来摇摆猫。ExampleExample It was a great party and there were so many people in the room that there wasnt enough room to swing a cat.Key
21、Key空空间间有有限限。变变体体：There There is is no no room room to to swing swing a cat.a cat.说明：说明：RoomRoom表示空间。表示空间。ExplanationExplanationLimited space.14.Play cat and mouse with someone.字面意思：跟某人玩猫和老鼠的游戏。ExampleExample The police played cat and mouse with the gang;they hope to catch everyone in the gang all at
22、 once.KeyKey在在采采取取行行动动之之前前，迷迷惑惑某某人人，引引某某人人上上钩钩，采采取欲擒故纵的手段。取欲擒故纵的手段。ExplanationExplanationBefore taking action,trick someone so that they will make a mistake.15.Wait for the cat to jump.字面意思：等待、观察那只猫朝什么方向跳。ExampleExample Cautious investors always wait for the cat to jump before signing any contract.K
23、eyKey自自己己表表态态或或做做出出计计划划之之前前，先先观观察察别别人人在在想想什什么么、做做什什么么。变变体体：See See which which way way the the cat cat will jumpwill jump ExplanationExplanationWait to see what others are thinking or doing before making any plans.16.Fight like cat and dog.字面意思：像猫和狗打闹一样。ExampleExample We became friends as we grew ol
24、der,but when we were young we fought like cat and dog.KeyKey无无休休止止的的激激烈烈吵吵闹闹。说说明明：视视具具体体情情况况，也也可可用复数：用复数：Fight like dogs and cats.Fight like dogs and cats.ExplanationExplanation Argue violently all the time.17.Till the cows come home.字面意思：直到母牛回家的时候。ExampleExample Are you waiting for your wife?You wi
25、ll Are you waiting for your wife?You will have to wait till the cows come home.I have to wait till the cows come home.I saw her dancing in the hall an hour ago.saw her dancing in the hall an hour ago.KeyKey需需要要（等等待待）很很长长的的时时间间。说说明明：母母牛牛出出去去吃吃草，吃得慢，吃得多，很晚才回家。草，吃得慢，吃得多，很晚才回家。ExplanationExplanationFor
26、a long time.18.A dog and pony show.字面意思：狗和矮种马的展示。ExampleExample The acrobatic performance was part of a dog and pony show the country put on for the benefits of their overseas guests.KeyKey为为得得到到人人们们的的支支持持或或为为了了推推销销产产品品而而举举行行的的活活动。动。ExplanationExplanationA show or other event that has been organized
27、 in order to get peoples support or to persuade them to buy something.19.A dogs life字面意思：狗的日子。ExampleExample It is really a dogs life having to spend four hours each day traveling to and from work.KeyKey艰难困苦的日子；（过）猪狗不如的日子。艰难困苦的日子；（过）猪狗不如的日子。ExplanationExplanationA very miserable or hard life.20.Cant
28、 teach an old dog new tricks.字面意思：教不会老狗新把戏。ExampleExample Of course I can learn,shouted Uncle Of course I can learn,shouted Uncle Bob,Who says you cant teach an old Bob,Who says you cant teach an old dog new tricks?dog new tricks?KeyKey岁数大的人学不会新东西。岁数大的人学不会新东西。ExplanationExplanationOld people can not
29、 learn anything new.21.Dog someones footsteps.字面意思：跟着别人的脚印走。ExampleExample My little daughter dogs my footsteps wherever I go.KeyKey紧紧紧紧跟跟随随某某人人；跟跟踪踪某某人人；类类似似 步步某某人人的的后后尘尘 或或 重蹈覆辙重蹈覆辙。ExplanationExplanationFollow someone closely.22.Dog-eat-dog.字面意思：狗吃狗。ExampleExample Universities are not quiet and p
30、eaceful places.It is a case of dog-eat-dog for promotion.KeyKey为为生生存存或或获获得得成成功功而而进进行行的的残残酷酷无无情情的的争争斗斗；残酷的竞争；人吃人（的社会）。残酷的竞争；人吃人（的社会）。ExplanationExplanationA situation in which one has to act ruthlessly in order to survive or succeed;ruthless competition.23.Give a dog a bad name and hang him字面意思：给狗一个坏
31、的名声然后绞死它。ExampleExample During the Cultural Revolution,it was commonplace to give a dog a bad name,just because the person had relations living overseas.KeyKey即即使使一一个个人人是是无无辜辜的的，要要想想说说他他坏坏，随随便便都都能能找找到到理理由由去去批批评评指指责责他他。相相当当于于汉汉语语的的说说法法：欲加之罪，何患无辞。欲加之罪，何患无辞。ExplanationExplanationIf a person is regarded
32、 as bad,he will be blamed for anything wrong,even if he is innocent.24.Hair of the dog that bit one.字面意思：那只咬你的狗的毛。ExampleExample You have a headache?Thats because you drank too much last night.You really need some of the hair of the dog that bit you.KeyKey头头一一天天喝喝酒酒过过量量，一一觉觉醒醒来来，酒酒劲劲儿儿没没过过，还还头头疼疼，再再
33、喝喝一一口口同同一一种种酒酒，据据说说能能治治头头疼疼。许许多多国国家家的的人人都都相相信信如如被被狗狗咬咬伤伤，把把那那只只咬咬人人狗狗的的毛毛拿拿来来，放放在在伤伤口口上上，伤伤口才能愈合得快。尤其是患狂犬病的狗。口才能愈合得快。尤其是患狂犬病的狗。ExplanationExplanationAn alcoholic drink taken when one has a hangover;an alcoholic drink taken when one is recovering from drinking too much alcohol.25.In the doghouse.字面意思
34、：在狗窝里。ExampleExample My father forgot it was my mothers birthday,so he is in the doghouse now.KeyKey因因做做了了对对不不起起别别人人的的事事而而受受惩惩罚罚或或内内疚疚、自自责责。说明：狗不听话就可能被关在笼子里。说明：狗不听话就可能被关在笼子里。ExplanationExplanationIn disgrace or dislike;facing punishment.26.Lead someone a dogs life.字面意思：让某人过狗的日子。ExampleExample When I
35、 was working at the school,the When I was working at the school,the Principal led me a dogs life.Principal led me a dogs life.KeyKey不不给给别别人人好好日日子子过过；不不让让别别人人安安宁宁。变变体体：Give someone a dogs life.Give someone a dogs life.ExplanationExplanation Give him/her trouble continually and let him/her have no pea
36、ce.27.Put on the dog.字面意思：把狗带在身上。ExampleExample They put on the dog in front of their guests,but the guests were not impressed.KeyKey炫炫耀耀、摆摆阔阔。竭竭力力表表现现自自我我，好好像像自自己己非非常常重重要、非常富有。但实际并非如此。要、非常富有。但实际并非如此。ExplanationExplanationTry to seem more important and richer than you really are.28.Let sleeping dogs
37、 lie字面意思：让睡觉的狗躺着。ExampleExample We should let sleeping dogs lie and not tell her that her son refuses to continue his university studies.KeyKey不要自找麻烦。不要自找麻烦。ExplanationExplanationDont disturb anything which seems satisfactory,because this may cause trouble;do not look for trouble.Live a dogs life字面意
38、思：过狗的日子。ExampleExample She has been working so hard,and she is tired of living a dogs life.KeyKey过过悲悲惨惨的的生生活活。变变体体：Lead Lead a a dogs dogs life.life.说说明：参见本单元第明：参见本单元第1919条成语。条成语。ExplanationExplanationLead a miserable life.30.Not a dogs chance字面意思：没有狗的机会。ExampleExample She hasnt a dogs chance of win
39、ning the game.KeyKey毫无机会。毫无机会。ExplanationExplanationNo chance at all.31.Go to the dogs字面意思：与狗为伍。ExampleExample He has gone to the dogs since he became wealthy;he spends most of his time drinking and singing in karaoke bars.KeyKey（指指人人）道道德德沦沦丧丧，精精神神颓颓废废或或体体质质下下降降等等。这这人人完完了了！变变体体：Go Go to to potpot（跟跟
40、锅锅碗碗瓢瓢盆盆混混在一起）。在一起）。ExplanationExplanation(1)(of people)Become morally,mentally or physically bad.31.Go to the dogs字面意思：与狗为伍。ExampleExample After marriage,her whole life seems to be going to the dogs.KeyKey（指事）变坏、恶化。（指事）变坏、恶化。ExplanationExplanation(2)(of things)Become worse;be ruined.填单词完成下列句子。1.You
41、 should be careful and not let the _out of the bag.2.The leader of the gang thinks the police are playing _ and mouse with them.3.Dont ask for trouble.Youd better let sleeping _ lie.4.Before he got the divorce,he and his wife had lived a cat and _.catcatcatcatdogsdogsdog lifedog life5.This is just a _ and pony show.Dont it take it seriously.6.There are many people nowadays who only worship the golden _.7.There is not enough _ to swing a cat.8.You should wait for the _ to jump.9.Give up!You dont have a dogs _.10.He really made a _ of himself!roomroomcalfcalfbeastbeastchancechancecatcatdogdog
