Animal Idioms

[ 动物习语 ]

English is full of animal sayings but what are they really talking about?

英语中有很多动物谚语......那它们究竟是什么意思呢？

to be a fish out of water — How would you feel if you were put in unfamiliar surroundings? Scared and unsure of what to do? When this happens, you can say you feel like a fish out of water.

置身于陌生的环境中，你有何感受？会感到害怕、不知所措吗？这时我们可以说自己就像一条离开水的鱼。

Example: On my first day in my new school, I felt like a fish out of water.

to kill two birds with one stone — complete two tasks by doing only one thing. We also call this "multi-tasking".

一石二鸟。也叫“多任务处理”。

Example: I have to baby-sit my brother and return my library book. If I take Joey to the library, then I can kill two birds with one stone.

to be stubborn as a mule — mules can
work hard. But if a mule does not want to work, nothing will change its mind. To be stubborn means to refuse to change your mind.

骡子工作勤奋、认真。不过如果一头骡子不想工作了，什么都改变不了它的心意。倔强、固执就是说拒绝改变想法。

Example: My baby sister is as stubborn as a mule. I have tried and tried but she will not eat green vegetables.

to be as strong as an ox — oxen are big, muscular bulls that can pull heavy loads. Big strong people are often compared to this animal.

公牛十分巨大。肌肉强健的公牛能拉动沉重的货物。高大强壮的人常被比喻成这种动物。

Example: I am glad Joe will be on our tug-of-war team. He's as strong as an ox.

10 Ways to Cheer Up

[ 十种为自己鼓劲的方法 ]

Feeling a little blue? Here are ten fast and easy ways to smile.

感觉有些郁闷吗？以下十种方法快速简单，让你马上露出微笑。

1 . Play Outside 外出游玩

Leave your apartment and go outside.
Sun and fresh air are good for you.

2. Exercise 运动

When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals called endorphins. This chemical makes you feel happier. That is just one more reason why exercise is good for you.

3. Have a Heart-to-Heart 促膝谈心

If something is bothering you, talk about it. Call a friend or relative. A long chat is great way to feel better fast.

4. Play Pop Music 演奏流行音乐

Westlife, Backstreet Boys, S.H.E...who doesn't like a little mindless pop? Listening to upbeat, happy music will make you smile. Singing along won't hurt either.

5. Laughter is the Best Medicine 开怀大笑是一剂良药

Laughing is the best way to improve your mood. Children laugh around 400 times a day. Adults only laugh about 20 times a day. What happened? Be a kid for a day: play games, watch funny movies, or read jokes online.

6. Power of Chocolate 巧克力的力量

Chocolate has special natural chemicals that make you happy. Plus, it tastes so good!

7. Draw 画画

Be an artist! Draw, paint, or sketch something. Even if it is not perfect, being creative relieves stress.

8. Get a Dog 养一条小狗

Dogs are cute, energetic, and fun. Plus, studies show that people with pets live longer and people with dogs live the longest!

9. Breathe 呼吸

If you can't go to the gym, try taking deep breaths. Breathing deeply will relax your muscles and give you energy.

10. Think Positive 积极乐观地考虑问题

Close your eyes and think of a beautiful scene or a time when you were happy and feeling good.