The idiom “(as) hungry as a bear” is an informal expression used to describe someone who is very hungry, often to the point of being famished or ravenous. This phrase likely draws on the image of a bear’s insatiable appetite, particularly when preparing for hibernation or after a long period without food.
Meaning of “(as) hungry as a bear“
- Literal meaning:
- Describes a person who is extremely hungry, similar to how a bear might eat large amounts of food after waking up from hibernation or before winter.
- Figurative meaning:
- Used to convey a strong desire for food, often implying that the person could eat a large amount or that their hunger is overwhelming.
Examples of “(as) hungry as a bear” in sentences
Literal context:
“I’m as hungry as a bear. I could eat anything!”
“Whenever I jog, I get hungry as a bear and need a snack right away.”
Figurative context:
“After a long day at work, I was as hungry as a bear and devoured everything in the fridge.”
“She hadn’t eaten all day, and by dinnertime, she was as hungry as a bear.”
Origins of the idiom
The idiom likely derives from the natural behavior of bears, who experience extreme hunger before and after hibernation. During this period, they often eat large amounts of food to prepare for the long winter, making them seem perpetually hungry. Over time, the comparison of hunger to a bear’s insatiable appetite became a vivid and widely recognized metaphor.
Similar expressions
- “Hungry as a wolf” (another expression with the same meaning, drawing on the image of a wolf’s strong hunger)
- “Starving” (a direct way of describing intense hunger)
- “Famished” (extremely hungry, often used to emphasize the severity of hunger)
How to use “(as) hungry as a bear” in conversations
This idiom is typically used informally when describing someone’s strong appetite. Here are a few examples of how it can be used:
Describing yourself:
“I haven’t eaten all day! I’m as hungry as a bear. Do you have any snacks?”
“After that long hike, I was hungry as a bear and could eat a whole pizza.”
Describing others:
“When we got to the restaurant, John was as hungry as a bear and ordered three courses!”
“The kids came back from school hungry as bears and went straight to the kitchen.”
Figurative use:
“After working through the entire afternoon without a break, I was as hungry as a bear by the time I got home.”
“The marathon runner was as hungry as a bear after crossing the finish line.”
Conclusion
The idiom “(as) hungry as a bear” is a colorful and vivid way to express extreme hunger. It draws on the image of a bear’s large appetite, making it an ideal choice for describing moments when someone feels famished or ravenous. Whether you’re referring to yourself or someone else, this idiom adds a fun and informal touch to conversations about hunger.
