sacred cow
Meaning: An idea or thing that cannot be altered.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Animals
Origin: The expression originates from the Hindu belief that cows are sacred and cannot be killed or eaten. The expression is frequently used to describe an idea or thing that ought to be changed or altered but cannot be because the authority forbids it.
More idioms — Animals
- something to crow about — An exceptional accomplishment; an achievement that is worth bragging about.
- take the bull by the horns — To take action in a difficult or unpleasant situation.
- talk turkey — To talk seriously, usually about a business deal.
- white elephant — An item that no one wants to buy or that is difficult to get rid of; a costly but useless…
- wild-goose chase — A useless or difficult search.
- wolf in sheep's clothing — Someone who presents himself as a harmless person, but who has intentions that are not ho…
More English idioms
- apple of one's eye — A person or thing that is precious or loved above all else.
- big cheese — An important, powerful or influential person.
- bite the dust — To be destroyed or ruined beyond repair; slang for "to die".
- bitter pill to swallow — A difficult or unpleasant reality to deal with.
- black tie — Formal dress in which men wear black bow ties and dinner jackets or tuxedos and women wea…
- chew someone out — To scold someone harshly.
Loading the full interactive collection…