Sharks are fascinating and so are idioms about them! This post explains 20 shark-related phrases, each with their meanings and examples.
Shark Idioms
Here are 20 shark idioms in English with meaning and example sentences for each.
1. Swim with sharks
Meaning: To be in a dangerous situation
Example: He loves to swim with sharks in business.
2. Shark-infested waters
Meaning: Very dangerous circumstances
Example: Entering that market is like going into shark-infested waters.
3. Loan shark
Meaning: Someone who lends money at high rates
Example: Avoid borrowing money from a loan shark.
4. Jump the shark
Meaning: Something declining in quality
Example: The show really jumped the shark last season.
5. Shark bait
Meaning: An easy target
Example: New interns are often considered shark bait.
6. Smell blood like a shark
Meaning: Detect weakness or vulnerability
Example: He can smell blood like a shark in negotiations.
7. Card shark
Meaning: Skilled card player, sometimes dishonest
Example: He’s a known card shark at casinos.
8. Shark tank
Meaning: A tough, competitive environment
Example: The board meeting felt like a shark tank.
9. Shark attack
Meaning: Sudden aggressive action
Example: The lawsuit was like a shark attack.
10. Shark smile
Meaning: A dangerous, deceptive smile
Example: Never trust his shark smile.
11. Circle like sharks
Meaning: Move around someone in anticipation
Example: Reporters circled like sharks after the scandal.
12. Shark repellent
Meaning: Something that deters hostile actions
Example: The new policy acts as a shark repellent.
13. Land shark
Meaning: A person who exploits others
Example: Watch out for the land shark in sales.
14. Throw to the sharks
Meaning: Abandon someone to danger
Example: He was thrown to the sharks by his peers.
15. Shark’s fin
Meaning: Peak of success or danger
Example: He’s riding the shark’s fin of his career.
16. Shark’s appetite
Meaning: Huge, insatiable hunger
Example: He has a shark’s appetite for knowledge.
17. Nurse shark
Meaning: Someone who helps recover health
Example: She’s the nurse shark of our hospital ward.
18. Shark watcher
Meaning: Someone who predicts dangerous outcomes
Example: He’s the shark watcher of the stock market.
19. Shark’s territory
Meaning: Area controlled by a powerful entity
Example: This is definitely the shark’s territory.
20. Play the shark
Meaning: Act cunningly or ruthlessly
Example: He knows how to play the shark in negotiations.
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