moth

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drawn to (something) like a moth to a flame

Eagerly drawn or attracted to something. (Bright lights often attract moths.) I had always liked art, and once I got to college, I was drawn to textile design like a moth to a flame My toddler is drawn to anything that could be remotely dangerous like a moth to a flame. I knew from the outset that our relationship was doomed for failure, yet I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

let the moths out of (one's) purse

To stop being so frugal. The image suggests that one's purse is opened so rarely that moths have been able to take up residence inside. Come on, you can buy a beautiful new car like this. Let the moths out of your purse for once. Good luck getting him to let the moths out of her purse and spring for dinner.

let the moths out of (one's) wallet

To stop being so frugal. The image suggests that one's wallet is opened so rarely that moths have been able to take up residence inside. Come on, you can buy a beautiful new car like this. Let the moths out of your wallet for once. Good luck getting him to let the moths out of his wallet and spring for dinner.

like a moth to a flame

With intense and immediate interest. We brought out the water slide for the party and the kids came running like moths to a flame. Whenever I park my Ferrari, there's inevitably someone who wants to come gawk at it, like a moth to a flame.

See also: flame, like, moth, to

like a moth to the flame

With intense and immediate attraction. Likened to the attraction of moths to bright lights. We brought out the water slide for the party and the kids came running like moths to the flame. Whenever I park my Ferrari, there's inevitably someone who wants to come gawk at it, like a moth to the flame.

See also: flame, like, moth, to

drawn like a moth to a flame

Fig. attracted [to someone or some event] instinctively or very strongly, as a moth is drawn to the light of a flame. Customers were drawn to the sale like a moth to aflame. They came from all over and bought up everything in the store.

like a moth to a flame

If a person is attracted to someone or something like a moth to a flame, they are strongly attracted to them. The bright lights of west London drew Kharin like a moth to a flame. Girls were around him like moths to a flame. Note: This expression is very variable. For example, you can talk about moths around a flame, or replace flame with candle. Men flock around her like moths around a flame.

See also: flame, like, moth, to

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

like a moth to the flame

irresistibly attracted to someone or something.

See also: flame, like, moth, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive ?

TEESSIDE'S night-flying moths appear to have benefitted from the relatively dry spring and early summer weather.

GO WILDwith eric paylor

The moth is also present at the Dyfi National Nature Reserve where, in 1986, the site's bog myrtle was partly destroyed by fire.

Rosy future for rare moth that hitched train ride

A BUG'S LIFE: The campaign will highlight specimens such as the Mother Shipton moth, one of more than 2,500 UK species of the insect

Negative perceptions of moths to be challenged; UNLOVED INSECTS ? Campaign to reveal the insects' crucial role in the food chain

Some moths boast ears capable of recognizing bats' ultrasonic signals, helping them avoid predation.

Sound-absorbing fur helps moths avoid bat predation

Biologist Leandro Joao Carneiro de Lima Moraes, of Brazil's National Institute of Amazonia Research, recently published a study in the journal Ecological Society of America, which detailed his observations of moths feeding on birds' tears.

Scientist observes moths drinking tears of sleeping birds

Hopefully, some moths will be attracted to the bright spot of light.

Flying by Night

THS ANIC YOU MIGHT SPOT MORE MOTHS RIGHT NOW - BUT DON'T PANIC At this time of year, it's common to notice more moths indoors, but good news - they're not all the garment-gorging kind.

MOTH BAN PROPHECIES; Carpets, curtains and your favourite woollens can all be at risk from these pesky garment-gorgers. ABI JACKSON calls in the experts

Imagine if the moth swallowed one of Ronaldo's tears he could become the greatest player in insect history x

Moths swarm around stadium before Euro 2016 final

"Moths also prefer dirty clothes (this adds to the nutritional quality) and love sweat residue.

MOTH GALLS! Carpets, curtains and woollens can all be at risk from these pesky garment-gorgers, says Abi Jackson

Carpet moth infestations can sometimes originate from bird's nests, so when trying to identify the source of the infestation it's useful to check any unused chimneys or attics.

Why that weird piece of fluff in your house could be ALIVE; Inside the rice-shaped structure is the larva of the case-bearing carpet moth

Mrs Jones said: "It was rather daunting finding a moth so big and I was a little scared taking the picture in case it flew at me.

Giant sex-crazed moths have awakened - and they are on the prowl for partners; People have taken to social media to post numerous pictures of the terrifying sex-crazed moths

He said: "The Poplar hawk moth is not an uncommon species so maybe they are somewhat more abundant this year.

Giant randy moths have awakened in Wirral and they're on the prowl for partners; "The adult moths exist only to fly around and have sex. After that, they die. You don't even get to eat and drink."

Predict: Imagine that a moth is trying to hide from predatory birds.

Moth survival

Saccheri and colleagues compared that region in one black moth and three typical moths.

Jumping gene darkened moths: genetics of classic example of natural selection explained

A study involving Newcastle University reveals the shift in moth activity in street-lit areas from vegetation level to lamp-post height and the impact this is having on their ability to pollinate flowers.