Like a moth to a flame

Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them, too! I'm Feifei, and I'm joined by Georgie. How are you?

I'm alright, thank you. Feifei, how are you?

I'm well, thank you, Georgie.

Right, well Feifei, I've got a question for you. You know what a moth is, right? It's that winged insect that has wings similar to a butterfly.

Yes…

Well, what happens when they're in your house?

Oh, they're quite annoying, aren't they? Firstly, they make holes in your clothes, and then they're always bumping into the lights.

Exactly. Well, in this programme, we're learning an expression about moths – like a moth to a flame.

Oh, yes! That's a good one. Moths are attracted to light sources like lamps or flames but getting too close can be dangerous for them.

Exactly, and if we describe someone as being 'like a moth to a flame', it means they're very attracted to something which could be harmful for them. For example, I always try to be healthy, but I'm like a moth to a flame when it comes to chocolate. I can't resist!

Let's hear some more examples from our BBC Learning English colleagues.

I know that motorbike racing is dangerous, but I'm like a moth to a flame. I just have to do it. My friend dumped her boyfriend because he's just such a bad guy. But do you know what? She's getting back with him. She's like a moth to a flame. I know I shouldn't get involved in office drama, but I just love juicy gossip. I'm like a moth to a flame.

So, being like a moth to a flame is about not being able to resist temptation – you just can't resist! Are there any similar expressions?

Yes, I know one. 'Like bees to honey'. It's similar in the sense that it's about being attracted to something, but it doesn't have the same harmful result – there aren't necessarily negative consequences.

OK, so for example, the students rushed to the free food like bees to honey.

Exactly. Or the charismatic popstar attracts his fans like bees to honey.

OK, let's recap. We learnt the expression 'like a moth to a flame', which describes someone who is attracted to something which may not be good for them.

Thanks for joining us. Goodbye!

Goodbye!