Don’t let the bedbugs bite – just read our listicle of 10 idioms all about the creepy crawlies
- Red coat infestation fears have us itching to dig out phrases about parasites, insects and bugs of all types
- Do you know what it means if something is ‘the bee’s knees’? Or why someone might be ‘bug eyed’?
Bedbugs have alarmed authorities around the world after outbreaks in South Korea, France and Britain. Photo: Getty ImagesAs bedbugs continue to create havoc and hygiene concerns all over the world, it is of utmost importance to maintain vigilance in preventing the spread of these minuscule reddish-brown insects. This week, we present 10 idioms that have something to do with the creepy crawlies.
1. A flea in one’s ear
Meaning: giving someone a sharp rebuke which feels similar to the discomfort and annoyance caused by a flea biting someone
Example: The doctor sent the patient away with a flea in his ear for forgetting to take his medicine.
2. A fly on the wall
Meaning: to secretly hear or observe something without anyone knowing, just as inconspicuous as a fly on the wall
Example: During the first day of work, Andrew was like a fly on the wall during the meeting, quietly listening to the team’s presentation.
3. Ants in your pants
Meaning: being agitated or restless due to nervousness or excitement
Example: The kids had ants in their pants as they couldn’t wait to visit the newly launched World of Frozen at Disneyland today.
4. As snug as a bug in a rug
Meaning: to be in a very comfortable situation, just like a little bug finding a warm and secure hiding place within the folds of a rug
Example: Staying in a luxurious five-star hotel was an incredible experience, just as snug as a bug in a rug.
5. Bee’s knees
Meaning: a highly admired person or thing
Example: Founded by an experienced chef, the new restaurant is the bee’s knees and serves delectable food.
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6. Bug-eyed
Meaning: describes a person who appears surprised, shocked or frightened, with their eyes opened wide
Example: At the popular boy band concert, the audience got bug-eyed when members announced the decision to disband the group next year.
7. Have a bee in one’s bonnet
Meaning: to be obsessed or preoccupied with an idea or topic, like having a buzzing bee inside your hat that distracts your thoughts
Example: Ever since the introduction of the BNO lifeboat schemes by the UK, Hongkongers have had a bee in their bonnet about moving overseas.
8. Like a moth to a flame
Meaning: an irresistible attraction for someone or something, just like the attraction that moths have to bright lights, even if it may be harmful or dangerous
Example: Despite the well-known reality that short videos are harmful, teenagers are still keen on filming and watching those clips on social media like moths to a flame.
9. On the fly
Meaning: doing something quickly or improvising without much preparation or planning
Example: Mary does not plan much in advance and always makes decisions on the fly.
10. Put a bug in someone’s ear
Meaning: to give someone a subtle suggestion or hint
Example: During the career counselling session, the teacher put a bug in the student’s ear about what he could choose to study in university.