What is the Meaning of the Idiom
EAT LIKE A BIRD?

Definition:

to eat very little

Examples:

• I am worried about my grandmother. She eats like a bird. I worry that she isn’t getting enough nutrition.
• If Josh goes out with a girl and she eats like a bird, he won’t ask her out again. He says it is an indication that she is artificial and pretentious*.  He likes a girl who is honest enough to eat a full meal on a date.

 

*pretentious:  attempting to make others think you are someone better than what is true or honest

Important Cultural Tips

In western cultures (such as Canada), the following table manners are important:

• chew with your mouth closed (do not let others see the chewed food in your mouth);
• chew and drink quietly;
• do not talk with food in your mouth;
• do not drink from a soup bowl; and
• absolutely no burping.

More English expressions and phrases