bull/fish

Mad-ox · #1 (**permalink**) 20-Sep-2006, 07:59

hi to idiom learners,

I need somebody's help.
Is there a difference in meaning between "like a bull in a china shop" and " like a fish out of water"?

thank you beforehand,
madox

BobK · #2 (**permalink**) 20-Sep-2006, 09:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad-ox

hi to idiom learners,

I need somebody's help.
Is there a difference in meaning between "like a bull in a china shop" and " like a fish out of water"?
thank you beforehand,
madox

Yes. The bull is rough and/or clumsy. The fish is just in an unsuitable place or context:
"The man was running round like a bull in a china shop, knocking over tables and trampling the upset dishes underfoot."
or even metaphorically (no physical damage)
"I don't you going in there like a bull in a china shop, upsetting people by stirring up old antagonisms."
But
"Once out of his office, with no secretary to do the everyday things for him, he was like a fish out of water."

b