Well, everybody knows that the bird is the word!

Odd Phrases That Involve Birds

We get a lot of odd ducks shopping at Wild Birds Unlimited in East Lansing, MI. But before anyone gets flighty and gives me the bird, let me make it clear that you are all good eggs.

The English language is full of odd phrases and idioms. I compiled just a few of the birdy variety for you to ponder.

• Odd Duck: someone with a touch of eccentricity.
• Good Egg: someone that is good inside and out.
• Jay walker: to cross a street in a reckless manner.
• Flip someone the bird: raising the middle finger as a rude sign.
• Little bird told me: not revealing who told you something.
• Bird's-eye view: view seen from high above or a hasty look at something.
• Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush: Having something for certain is better than the possibility of getting something better.
• Birds of a feather flock together: Similar people tend to associate with each other.
• The early bird catches the worm: If you get to work early, you will succeed.
• Free as a bird: unhindered
• Happy as a lark: very cheerful
• Naked as a jaybird: nude
• Proud as a peacock: very haughty
• Silly as a goose: very foolish
• Cold turkey: to stop a bad habit without medical aid
• Feather one’s nest: to look after one`s own financial interests
• Lame duck: a politician who has little time left in office and little power
• Ruffle someone's feathers: to upset or annoy someone
• Spread one's wings: to begin to be independent and try new things
• Take under their wing: to be under the care of someone
• Watch you like a hawk: to watch someone very carefully
• Wild goose chase: a chase that is futile or worthless
• Wing it: to do the best in a situation that one is not prepared
• As the crow flies: a straight line between two places
• Get one's ducks in a row: to put one's affairs or something in order
• Like water off a duck’s back: without any effect, easily
• Ugly duckling: an ugly or plain child who grows up to be pretty
• Night owl: someone who likes to stay up very late at night
• Swan song: the last work or performance by an artist
• Twitter: social networking service that users to send and read messages known as tweets