ANIMALS AND IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS

Metaphorical expressions with animals in Italian are a vibrant and colorful part of the language, conveying complex concepts vividly and immediately.

When we say "avere una fame da lupo," (to be as hungry as a wolf) evoking the voracity of this predator, we describe an insatiable and urgent appetite. "Essere solo come un cane" (to be as lonely as a dog) takes us to deep loneliness, sadness, and abandonment. "Avere una memoria da elefante" (to have an elephantine memory) evokes the extraordinary ability to remember, like the elephant that never forgets.

"Essere una volpe" (being a fox), on the other hand, suggests cunning and the ability to manipulate situations for one's own benefit. "Dormire come un ghiro" (to sleep like a dormouse) evokes a deep and peaceful sleep, while "essere un coniglio" (to be a rabbit) indicates cowardice or excessive caution. Finally, "essere una vipera" (to be a viper) suggests malice and deceit.

These are just some of the expressions that feature animals as protagonists and enrich our language.