What better time to learn phrases about rabbits than at the start of their year on the Chinese zodiac? Here are 10 English idioms about this fluffy animal, a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity.
1. Go down the rabbit hole
Meaning: to enter a complex situation, or get involved in matters that are difficult to understand and easy to get lost in
Example: This morning, I started watching this Netflix show about cryptocurrency, and I quickly found myself going down the rabbit hole.
2. Dust bunny
Meaning: a loose, tangled ball of dust, lint or hair, especially as found under a low piece of furniture
Example: You should vacuum under the couch because there are a lot of dust bunnies there.
Dust bunnies are not as cute as they sound. Photo: Shutterstock
3. If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one
Meaning: if you try to accomplish or pursue two different things at once, you will fail at both
Example: The government is trying to cut taxes while also expanding public services – if they chase two rabbits, they will not catch either one.
4. Like a rabbit caught in the headlights
Meaning: describes a state of fear, panic or confusion so extreme that it is impossible to act or think normally
Example: Every time the teacher asked Sandy a question, she was like a rabbit caught in the headlights.
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5. Quick like a bunny
Meaning: very fast
Example: Once the bell rang, Melissa was quick like a bunny as she darted out of the classroom.
6. Rabbit food
Meaning: salad, seen as insubstantial or tasteless
Example: My father was shocked when he saw all the vegetables for dinner and called it “rabbit food”.
That rabbit food does not look very appetising. Photo: Shutterstock
7. Pull a rabbit out of the hat
Meaning: to do something unexpected but ingeniously effective in response to a problem
Example: With seconds to go until the end of the match and his team down by one point, the footballer pulled a rabbit out of the hat to tie the game.
8. Run with the hare and hunt with the hounds
Meaning: to try to remain on good terms with both sides in a conflict or dispute
Example: You cannot run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. If you do, you will end up being collateral damage.
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9. Rabbit’s foot
Meaning: the hind foot of a rabbit, which is carried as a good-luck piece
Example: Even carrying around a rabbit’s foot has not helped Ethan turn his luck around.
10. First catch your hare
Meaning: make sure you have acquired something before deciding what to do with it
Example: I know you’re eager to plan for life in the United States at Yale University, but you haven’t been accepted yet – first catch your hare.
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