Early Bird Catches the Bookworm Quiz

To be on a wild goose chase indicates a pointless pursuit. It means to search for something that doesn't exist or can't be found. This meaning of the expression was first recorded by Samuel Johnson in 1755.

The term 'swan song' is believed to have originated in the late 16th century from the German term Schwanengesang - a song mythically believed to have been sung by a swan before it died. It came to refer to the final performance by an artist before their death or retirement.

Owls are nocturnal birds. They hunt and prey on small animals in the night. This has given rise to the term 'night owl' for any person who is more active in the night time.

The term for this genus of bird is peafowl. The male is called a peacock while the female is called a peahen. The peacock has a magnificent tail which it displays while trying to court the female. In the 14th century, the term 'proud as a peacock' became popular to describe someone vain.

The term 'as the crow flies' describes the shortest route between two points. The first written record of this term is in the Charles Dickens novel "Oliver Twist". While it is not completely true that the crow always flies in a straight line, the term is still used to describe directness.

The eagle's eye is considered to be the sharpest of all animals. Its eyesight is described as being around 4 to 8 times sharper than human beings. Therefore the term 'eagle eye' has come to mean someone who has very sharp observation skills.

To 'sing like a canary' means to give away secrets. This is generally used in the context of informing authorities about illegal activities. Some sources suggest the term is derived from another similar idiom 'canary in a coalmine'. In earlier times, people took canaries into mines. If the bird died from the gas, it was a warning signal to the miners of danger. Thus, the canary provided a signal or vital information.

Water doesn't stick to a duck. The duck's feathers are oily and waterproof, therefore, water slides off instead of soaking the bird. This biological phenomenon has given rise to the term 'water off a duck's back'. It refers to a strong person not letting criticism affect them.

To 'talk turkey' means to have a frank and open discussion. Some sources suggest this term originated during negotiations between the European settlers and the indigenous inhabitants of North America over the sale of turkeys.

A 'cock and bull story' is a highly unbelievable tale. It is so unbelievable that the listener immediately knows there is no truth to it. The earliest written record of this phrase in the English language is in the early 17th century play "Law-trickes" by John Day.