wouldn't hurt a fly
Meaning: Is very gentle and harmless.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Our huge dog looks scary, but he wouldn't hurt a fly.”
Category: Animals
Origin: A fly is the smallest and most commonly swatted creature, so someone who spares even it is harmless. The phrase is common from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- Swedish: inte göra en fluga förnär — literally: not to do a fly any harm
More idioms — Animals
- in borrowed plumes — Pretending to qualities or achievements that belong to someone else.
- not my circus, not my monkeys — It's not my problem, so I'm staying out of it.
- birds of a feather flock together — People with similar interests or character tend to spend time together.
- a bird-brain — A silly or scatterbrained person.
- no room to swing a cat — A very small or cramped space.
- a snake in the grass — A treacherous person who pretends to be a friend.
More English idioms
- come in handy — To be useful when needed.
- like two peas in a pod — Very similar in looks or character.
- put someone in their place — To remind someone firmly that they are not as important as they think.
- play for high stakes — To take part in something where a great deal can be won or lost.
- take liberties — To behave too freely or presumptuously.
- cool as a cucumber — Very calm, especially under pressure.
From our compliments & insults
- Peau de vache — A mean, difficult, and unpleasant person — tough and unyielding like tanned hide.
- Eres un aguafiestas — You're a killjoy — you pour cold water on everyone's fun the moment you arrive.
- ¡Qué cara más dura! — You've got incredible nerve and cheek — the audacity is almost impressive.