Idioms about cows and bulls

Here is a list of idiomatic expressions using the word cow.

As awkward as a cow on roller skates

When you are as awkward as a cow on roller skates, you look very awkward indeed.

• She knew nobody at the party and looked as awkward as a cow on roller skates.

A bull in a china shop

This expression is used to refer to a very clumsy person.

• Don’t let him handle your precious glassware. He is a bull in a china shop.

A cash cow

The cash cow is the product that generates most of your income.

• The restaurant is their cash cow. The hotel doesn’t make much money.

Have a cow

When you have a cow, you become very angry or upset about something.

• My mother had a cow when I told her that I failed my test.

Hit the bulls-eye

To hit the bulls-eye is to focus on the most important part of something.

• He hit the bulls-eye when he said that poor productivity was our problem.

A sacred cow

A scared cow is a person or thing that is never criticized. This expression originated from the Indian practice of cow worship.

Take the bull by the horns

To take the bull by the horns is to tackle a problem decisively.

• ‘I am fed up of Sam. He never contributes his share of the grocery.’ ‘Why don’t you take the bull by the horns and tell him that you can’t support him.’

Until the cows come home

Until very late

• I waited for him until the cows came home.