like a rat in a trap
Meaning: Trapped with no way to escape.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “With the exits blocked, he was like a rat in a trap.”
Category: Animals
Origin: The image of a caught rat. The comparison is found from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Fait comme un rat — literally: Done for like a rat
More idioms — Animals
- like the cat that got the cream — Very pleased with oneself.
- strong as an ox — Very strong.
- holy cow! — An exclamation of surprise.
- sly as a fox — Very cunning.
- count one's chickens before they hatch — To rely on something good before it has actually happened.
- a dog's breakfast — A complete mess.
More English idioms
- work for peanuts — To work for very little pay.
- sit on one's hands — To do nothing when action is needed.
- flat out — As fast or as hard as possible.
- can't carry a tune in a bucket — Sings very badly.
- a smash hit — To be a huge success.
- beat someone to a pulp — To beat someone very severely.
From our compliments & insults
- Eres más bueno que el pan — You are a genuinely good, kind soul.
- Sei in gamba — You're sharp, capable, and on the ball.
- Sei un tesoro — You're a darling — precious to have around.