[Lexicog] "googly" and metaphors of deception

[Fritz Goerling]

In different cultures deception and cunning behavior are associated with
certain animals. The animal metaphor is often applied to a human
trickster.

rabbit: Africa and America
fox: German, Dutch, French
jackal: Arabic
(o)possum: US
spider: Africa
squirrel: Africa

Fritz Goerling



  A googly is a wonderful piece of deception.  The bowler spins the ball one
way, but
  cunningly disguises his hand and wrist action so that batsman thinks it's
spinning
  the other way, and is completely flummoxed (left hitting at the empty air
as the ball
  sails past).

  I have heard it used metaphorically, thought the evidence in BNC for
metaphorical
  use is rather thin.

  What other metaphors for deceptive behaviour are there, outside English?

  Patrick

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