bird of ill omen
A person who brings bad news.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't be a bird of ill omen today.”
“He is a bird of ill omen who always predicts failure before we start a project.”
“The villagers avoided the traveler, fearing he was a bird of ill omen who arrived only to announce another season of hardship.”
The idiom likely descends from the practices of Ancient Roman augury, in which the flight patterns and cries of birds were interpreted as divine signs. Certain species were categorised as an unlucky presence, intended to warn the observer of an impending and significant misfortune.
- 01
a little bird told me
I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.
- 02
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 03
bird in the bosom
A secret pledge that one makes for another.
- 04
bird of one's own brain
One's own idea or conception.
- 05
birds and bees
Informal education about sex.
- 06
birds of a feather
People having similar characters, backgrounds, interests, or beliefs.
- 07
birds of a feather flock together
People of similar character, background or taste tend to congregate or associate with one another; it is easier to establish friendships with people that one has a lot in common with.
- 08
charm the birds from the trees
To behave in a very charming manner.
Last updated August 10, 2026