Of course we see the real things throughout the landscape and garden but even more common are references and allusions to insects that pepper our daily speech. You can't escape it. By habit and custom we are likely to talk about insects whether we want to or not. According to one widely distributed compilation, there are more than 200 phrases, expressions or figures of speech that originate with insects. The abundance of insects in our language may be due in part to the shear number of insects that commonly and constantly surround us.
Insects are a conspicuous and important part of our environment.
Also, insects have appearances, characteristics, activities and behaviors that can serve as convenient models or illustrations for points we want to make, both positive and negative. Insects can be affirmative role models because we ascribe to them positive attributes such as industriousness and patience. When it suits our purpose, however, we can capitalize on negative insect qualities such as lowliness, filth dwelling, blood sucking and stinging. Figures of Speech Many bug-based expressions come from a more or less superficial resemblance between the insect and an object. For example, the butterfly stroke in swimming, the butterfly pork chop, the silkworm missile and the old-fashioned beehive hairdo.