FOR THE BIRDS – American Idiom Lesson

Introduction

Welcome to NJCLT's comprehensive English lesson on the American idiom 'for the birds'.

What does 'for the birds' mean?

The phrase 'for the birds' is an idiomatic expression in the English language. It is used to indicate that something is considered worthless, uninteresting, or not valuable. The phrase originated from the behavior of some birds that would gather around horse manure to search for food. The idea behind the idiom is that the birds' interest in such waste is equivalent to the value of the mentioned object or activity.

Origin and History

The exact origin of the idiom 'for the birds' is uncertain. It is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century in America, although similar expressions can be found in earlier texts. The idiom became popular through its usage in both spoken and written English, eventually finding its way into common usage and modern conversations.

Example Sentences

To better understand the usage of the idiom 'for the birds,' let's explore some example sentences:

• "I thought the movie would be interesting, but it turned out to be for the birds."
• "After waiting for hours, the concert was canceled, and we felt it was all for the birds."
• "His promises are always for the birds; he never follows through with anything."
• "The company's official statement was nothing but PR jargon and was completely for the birds."

Related Idioms

Several idioms are similar to or related to the expression 'for the birds.' Here are a few examples:

1. 'Birds of a feather flock together' - This idiom means that people with similar interests or characteristics tend to associate with one another.
2. 'A little bird told me' - This phrase refers to receiving information from an anonymous or undisclosed source.
3. 'Kill two birds with one stone' - This idiom suggests accomplishing two tasks with a single effort or action.

Conclusion

The idiom 'for the birds' has become a widely used expression in the English language. It effectively conveys the idea that something is considered to be without value or uninteresting. As you engage in conversations or encounter written material, be sure to watch for the use of this idiom as it is frequently included in various contexts. Understanding popular idioms like 'for the birds' will enhance your understanding and fluency in English.