English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Drink like a fish
Meaning
The idiom "drink like a fish" means to drink a lot of alcohol or to drink excessively, especially in one sitting. It is often used to describe someone who drinks too much or who is drinking heavily.
Usage
- I tried to limit my drinking tonight, but I couldn't resist the temptation and ended up drinking like a fish.
- He always drinks like a fish at parties, and he never fails to have a good time.
- She drinks like a fish on weekends when she's out with her friends.
- The group of young men drank like fishes, finishing their beers in no time.
- I forgot my water bottle and ended up drinking like a fish during the marathon.
Roots and History
The idiom "drink like a fish" dates back to at least the 18th century. It is thought to have originated from the fact that fish are known to consume large amounts of food, including water. Similarly, people who drink excessively are said to drink "like a fish," consuming copious amounts of alcohol.
Synonyms in English
- Drink like a pig
- Drink like a fish and a half
- Drink like a sponge
- Drink like a water buffalo
- Drink like a camel
Synonyms in other languages
- French - "Bouffer comme un poisson" (to drink heavily like a fish)
- Spanish - "Beber como pez" (to drink like a fish)
- Italian - "Bere come pesce" (to drink like a fish)
- German - "Trinken wie ein Fisch" (to drink like a fish)
- Portuguese - "Beber como peixe" (to drink like a fish)