bird

bird

W2S2 [bə:d US bə:rd] n

[: Old English; Origin: bridd]

1.) a creature with wings and feathers that can usually fly. Many birds sing and build nests, and female birds lay eggs.

▪ wild birds

▪ The dawn was filled with the sound of birds.

▪ a flock of birds (=a group of birds flying together)

▪ a wooden bird cage

2.) BrE informal a word meaning a young woman, which some people think is offensive

3.) the birds and the bees

the facts about sex - used humorously or to children

4.) a little bird told me (sth) informal used to say that you know something, but you will not say how you found out

▪ A little bird told me that you've got engaged.

5.) birds of a feather (flock together) informal used to say that two or more people have similar attitudes, beliefs etc

6.) give sb the bird

a) AmE informal to make a very rude sign at someone by holding your middle finger up

b) BrE to show strong disapproval of someone who is performing or speaking in public by shouting, making rude noises etc

7.) a bird in the hand (is worth two in the bush)

used to say that it is better to keep what you have than to risk losing it by trying to get more

8.) the bird has flown informal

used to say that the person you are looking for has already left or escaped

9.) be (strictly) for the birds

old-fashioned informal to be silly, useless, or not practical

10.) wise/wily/funny/weird etc old bird

old-fashioned informal a person who seems wise, funny etc

11.) do bird

BrE old-fashioned informal to serve a prison sentence

= do time

→early bird at ↑early¹ (9), kill two birds with one stone at ↑kill¹ (13)