Hello! We are six students of English Studies from University of Seville, and this is a project of New Technologies Applied to English Language.

AS STUBBORN AS A MULE

'As stubborn as a mule' means to be very determined not to change your decision or opinion about something, even when it is wrong. 

The origin of this idiom is determined by the attitude of the animal. The mule is a stubborn animal by nature and that is why this expression is said. The equivalent in Spanish is ‘Eres más cabezón que una mula’, so it’s very similar.

Example:

- You won't get him to change his mind - he's as stubborn as a mule.

 
 

MONKEY SEE, MONKEY DO

‘Monkey see, monkey do’ means that someone imitates something that someone else does. 

The origin of this idiom is a saying in a pidgin-style that appeared in American culture in the early 1920s, and implied the act of mimicry. The equivalent in Spanish will be ‘culo veo, culo quiero’. 

Example:

- I don't let my children watch TV programs that show kids being disrespectful to their elders. I know what would happen if I did: monkey see, monkey do.

 A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
 

‘A wolf in sheep’s clothing’ refers to a dangerous person pretending to be harmless. 

The origin of this idiom is biblical one. The phrase originates in a sermon by Jesus recorded in the Christian New Testament and it also might alluded to Aesop’s fables in Greek sources. The equivalent in Spanish will be ‘ser un lobo con piel de cordero’. 

Example:

- Be careful of that man. He is a wolf in sheep`s clothing.