What does “Hungry as a bear” mean?
"Hungry as a bear" means being extremely hungry.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After hiking all day, I was hungry as a bear and devoured my dinner.
Example
I skipped breakfast this morning, so now I'm hungry as a bear.
Example
I haven't eaten all day, so I'm hungry as a bear and ready for a big meal
Is “Hungry as a bear” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Hungry as a bear” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Hungry as a bear” effectively in context?
You can use "Hungry as a bear" to describe someone who is extremely hungry. It emphasizes a strong and intense feeling of hunger. For example, if you see a friend who hasn't eaten all day, you might say, 'You must be hungry as a bear!'
- 1After Physical Activity
After hiking all day, I was hungry as a bear and devoured my dinner.
- 2Skipping Meals
I skipped breakfast this morning, so now I'm hungry as a bear.
- 3Long Periods Without Food
I haven't eaten all day, so I'm hungry as a bear and ready for a big meal.
Similar phrases to “Hungry as a bear”:
Extremely hungry; voracious
Example
After the marathon, he was ravenous and ate an entire pizza.
Extremely hungry; starving
Example
She had been working all day without eating, so she was famished.
Extremely hungry; very eager for food
Example
He hadn't eaten since breakfast, so he was starving by dinnertime.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Hungry as a bear” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Hungry as a bear" is unknown.
Is “Hungry as a bear” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Hungry as a bear" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express a strong and intense feeling of hunger.
What tone does “Hungry as a bear” have?
"Hungry as a bear" conveys a tone of exaggeration and emphasis. It's often used in a playful or lighthearted manner to describe extreme hunger.
Can “Hungry as a bear” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Hungry as a bear" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being extremely hungry. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After the long hike, I was hungry as a bear.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "hungry as a bear"!' to express extreme hunger.
