The words that we use have the power to influence those around us. Unfortunately, sometimes, we hear common phrases that aren’t very nice to animals, such as “killing two birds with one stone,” “beating a dead horse,” and “bringing home the bacon.” These old sayings are known as idioms, and they’re often passed down by teachers or parents, who probably haven’t really considered how messed up they are!

While these phrases may seem harmless, they actually convey unfortunate messages about animals. Using animal-friendly language can help cultivate positive relationships between all beings and maybe even spark a conversation about the treatment of animals with your classmates or family members. Try using some of the following fun idioms instead: