The English language is replete with idiomatic expressions that draw from the characteristics and behaviors of dogs. These idioms, such as “barking up the wrong tree,” “let sleeping dogs lie,” and “top dog,” offer fascinating insights into human perception and linguistic creativity. By examining dog idioms in English, we can uncover the cultural and social significance of these expressions and their impact on communication.
We will provide specific examples and case studies to illustrate the practical applications of these dog idioms in both casual and professional settings. Additionally, we will reference linguistic research and studies to ensure that our exploration is grounded in solid academic understanding. This approach will not only make our content accessible and enjoyable but also informative and thought-provoking.
Whether you’re a language lover, a professional seeking to enhance your communication skills, or simply curious about the influence of man’s best friend on the English language, this blog post is for you. Join us as we embark on a linguistic journey, uncovering the beauty and complexity of “Dog Idioms in English.”
1. As crooked as a dog’s hind leg
Meaning: Extremely dishonest or deceitful.
Explanation: This idiom is often used to describe someone untrustworthy or involved in shady dealings.
Usage:
The politician was as crooked as a dog’s hind leg, embezzling funds from the public treasury.
I wouldn’t trust that salesman; he seems as crooked as a dog’s hind leg.
The company’s financial records were as crooked as a dog’s hind leg, leading to a major scandal.
2. As sick as a dog
Meaning: Very ill or unwell.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is feeling extremely unwell, often with nausea or vomiting.
Usage:
After eating the spoiled seafood, I was as sick as a dog all night.
She’s been as sick as a dog since catching the flu last week.
He drank too much at the party and ended up as sick as a dog.
3. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is focusing their efforts in the wrong direction or on the wrong problem.
Usage:
If you think I’m responsible for the missing funds, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
The police were barking up the wrong tree by suspecting the wrong person.
Trying to solve the issue by blaming the team is barking up the wrong tree.
4. Be the top dog
Meaning: To be the leader or the most dominant person in a group.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is in a position of authority or who has the most influence in a situation.
Usage:
In the corporate world, everyone wants to be the top dog.
She quickly became the top dog in her department, thanks to her innovative ideas.
As the top dog of the company, he made all the final decisions.
5. Call off the dogs
Meaning: To stop attacking or criticizing someone.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is asked to stop pursuing someone aggressively or to stop a hostile action.
Usage:
The manager called off the dogs once he realized the employee was innocent.
After the misunderstanding was cleared up, they called off the dogs.
The media should call off the dogs and give the celebrity some privacy.
6. Dog and pony show
Meaning: A flashy, overblown presentation or performance designed to impress.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation that is all show and no substance, often meant to distract or deceive.
Usage:
The company’s product launch was just a dog and pony show with no real innovation.
Politicians often put on a dog and pony show to win votes.
The seminar turned out to be a dog and pony show, with lots of style but little content.
7. Dog days of summer
Meaning: The hottest and most uncomfortable part of summer.
Explanation: This idiom originates from the ancient belief that the hot weather was caused by the dog star, Sirius, rising with the sun.
Usage:
During the dog days of summer, it’s best to stay indoors with air conditioning.
The city was like a ghost town in the dog days of summer.
We’re planning a beach vacation to escape the dog days of summer.
8. Dog eat dog world
Meaning: A highly competitive and ruthless environment.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where people are willing to do anything, including harming others, to succeed.
Usage:
In the world of high finance, it’s a dog-eat-dog world.
You have to be tough to survive in this dog-eat-dog world of politics.
The entertainment industry is known for being a dog-eat-dog world.
9. Dog in the manger
Meaning: Someone who selfishly prevents others from using something they themselves do not need or want.
Explanation: This idiom comes from a fable about a dog who lay in a manger, not eating the hay but preventing the cattle from eating it.
Usage:
He’s being a dog in the manger by keeping the empty office to himself when others need the space.
Don’t be a dog in the manger; if you’re not going to use the tickets, give them to someone who will.
The company was accused of being a dog in the manger by holding onto patents it never used.
10. Dog tired
Meaning: Extremely tired or exhausted.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a state of physical or mental fatigue.
Usage:
After the long hike, I was dog-tired and ready for bed.
She’s been working double shifts all week and is dog-tired.
The children were dog-tired after playing in the park all day.
11. Dog’s breakfast
Meaning: A messy, disorganized, or chaotic situation.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe something that is poorly done or in a state of disorder.
Usage:
The project turned into a dog’s breakfast after the team leader left.
His essay was a dog’s breakfast, with no clear structure or argument.
The event was poorly planned, and the result was a dog’s breakfast.
12. Dog’s dinner
Meaning: Dressed in an ostentatious or overly elaborate manner.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is dressed in a way that is considered too flashy or showy.
Usage:
She made a dog’s dinner of herself for the gala, with too much jewelry and makeup.
He looked like a dog’s dinner in his mismatched suit and loud tie.
The actress was criticized for making a dog’s dinner of her red carpet-appearance.
13. Dog’s life
Meaning: A miserable, unhappy existence.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a life that is full of hardship and devoid of pleasure.
Usage:
The workers led a dog’s life, with long hours and poor conditions.
She felt trapped in a dog’s life, with no hope of escape.
The stray animals in the city live a dog’s life, with no one to care for them.
14. Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone will have a moment of success or recognition at some point in their lives.
Explanation: This idiom is used to express the idea that everyone will experience success or good fortune at some time.
Usage:
Don’t worry about your failures; every dog has its day, and your time will come.
He was an unknown artist for years, but every dog has its day, and now his work is celebrated.
She believed that every dog has its day and never gave up on her dreams.
15. Fight like cats and dogs
Meaning: To argue or fight intensely and frequently.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a relationship that is characterized by constant conflict.
Usage:
The siblings fight like cats and dogs, but they really love each other.
The two politicians are known to fight like cats and dogs on every issue.
Their marriage ended because they fought like cats and dogs all the time.
16. Give a dog a bad name
Meaning: To ruin someone’s reputation.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone’s reputation has been tarnished, and it becomes difficult for them to shake off the negative perception.
Usage:
Once you give a dog a bad name, it’s hard to regain trust.
The scandal gave the company a bad name, and it struggled to recover.
He was innocent, but the accusations gave him a bad name in the community.
17. Go to the dogs
Meaning: To deteriorate or decline in quality or condition.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe something that has gone downhill or become much worse than it used to be.
Usage:
The neighborhood has really gone to the dogs since we moved away.
After the founder retired, the business went to the dogs.
The once beautiful park has gone to the dogs, with litter and graffiti everywhere.
18. Hair of the dog
Meaning: A small amount of alcohol consumed to relieve a hangover.
Explanation: This idiom is based on the belief that a small dose of what caused the problem (in this case, alcohol) can also cure it.
Usage:
After a wild night out, he reached for the hair of the dog to cure his hangover.
She swore by the hair of the dog remedy, having a small drink the morning after.
They joked about needing the hair of the dog at brunch after their party.
19. Hangdog expression
Meaning: A sad, guilty, or shamefaced look.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe the facial expression of someone who looks dejected or guilty.
Usage:
He had a hangdog expression after being caught lying.
The child wore a hangdog expression after breaking the vase.
She couldn’t stay mad at him for long, seeing his hangdog expression.
20. Hounded by someone
Meaning: Persistently harassed or pursued by someone.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is being relentlessly pursued or bothered by another person.
Usage:
She was hounded by the paparazzi wherever she went.
The politician was hounded by questions about the scandal.
He felt hounded by his creditors, receiving constant calls and letters.
21. In the doghouse
Meaning: In a state of disfavor or trouble, usually with someone.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is in trouble with another person, typically a spouse or authority figure.
Usage:
He’s been in the doghouse since he forgot their anniversary.
The employee was in the doghouse for missing the deadline.
She knew she’d be in the doghouse if she came home late again.
22. It’s a dog’s life
Meaning: A life of hardship and struggle.
Explanation: This idiom is similar to “dog’s life,” describing a difficult existence.
Usage:
Working two jobs just to make ends meet, it’s a dog’s life.
The refugees described their journey as a dog’s life, full of danger and uncertainty.
She left the corporate world because she was tired of living a dog’s life.
23. It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: It’s raining very heavily.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a heavy downpour or torrential rain.
Usage:
We can’t go to the beach today; it’s raining cats and dogs.
The picnic was ruined because it started raining cats and dogs.
Remember to take an umbrella; it’s raining cats and dogs out there.
24. Keep the hair of the dog that bit you
Meaning: To continue drinking alcohol to relieve a hangover.
Explanation: Similar to “hair of the dog,” this idiom suggests that continuing to drink alcohol can alleviate the symptoms of a hangover.
Usage:
Despite feeling terrible, he decided to keep the hair of the dog that bit him.
At the brunch, they decided to keep the hair of the dog that bit them with mimosas.
She joked about keeping the hair of the dog that bit her to get through the day.
25. Lead a dog’s life
Meaning: To live a life of hardship and toil.
Explanation: This idiom is similar to “it’s a dog’s life,” describing a life filled with struggle and hard work.
Usage:
The migrant workers lead a dog’s life, moving from place to place for work.
He led a dog’s life, working long hours for little pay.
They chose to lead a dog’s life on the farm, preferring the hard work to city life.
26. Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: To avoid bringing up an issue or reviving an old argument.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that it’s better to leave certain things undisturbed to avoid causing trouble.
Usage:
I wanted to ask about the fight they had, but decided to let sleeping dogs lie.
It’s best to let sleeping dogs lie when it comes to family disputes.
She knew bringing up the past would only cause trouble, so she let sleeping dogs lie.
27. Like a dog with two tails
Meaning: Extremely happy or excited.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is overjoyed or thrilled about something.
Usage:
He was like a dog with two tails when he got the promotion.
The child was like a dog with two tails on Christmas morning.
She felt like a dog with two tails after winning the award.
28. Love me, love my dog
Meaning: If you love someone, you should accept everything about them, including their flaws or those they are close to.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that accepting someone means accepting all aspects of their life.
Usage:
If you want to be with me, you’ll have to love me, love my dog.
She told her new boyfriend that it was a package deal: love me, love my dog.
He made it clear that loving him meant loving his dog too.
29. Mad dogs and Englishmen
Meaning: A phrase used to describe people who are out in the midday sun, suggesting it’s a foolish or reckless thing to do.
Explanation: This idiom is based on the idea that only mad dogs and Englishmen would be out in the hottest part of the day.
Usage:
Only mad dogs and Englishmen would go hiking in this heat.
The beach was empty, except for a few mad dogs and Englishmen.
He laughed and said, “Mad dogs and Englishmen,” as we set out for a walk at noon.
30. Put on the dog
Meaning: To dress or act in a showy or ostentatious manner.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is trying to impress others with their appearance or behavior.
Usage:
She really put on the dog for the gala, wearing her most extravagant gown.
They put on the dog for their guests, serving the finest wines and foods.
He put on the dog at the reunion, arriving in a limousine.
31. Rain cats and dogs
Meaning: It’s raining very heavily.
Explanation: Similar to “it’s raining cats and dogs,” this idiom describes a torrential downpour.
Usage:
We had to cancel the picnic because it started to rain cats and dogs.
The streets were flooded after it rained cats and dogs all night.
Don’t forget your umbrella; it’s going to rain cats and dogs later.
32. See a man about a dog
Meaning: A vague excuse used when someone is leaving but doesn’t want to reveal their true destination or purpose.
Explanation: This idiom is a way of excusing oneself without providing specifics.
Usage:
He excused himself from the meeting, saying he had to see a man about a dog.
Whenever she wanted to avoid questions, she’d say she had to see a man about a dog.
He said he had to see a man about a dog and left the party early.
33. Sick as a dog
Meaning: Very ill or unwell.
Explanation: Similar to “as sick as a dog,” this idiom is used to describe someone who is feeling extremely unwell.
Usage:
I can’t come to work today; I’m sick as a dog.
After eating the street food, he was sick as a dog for days.
She’s been sick as a dog since returning from her trip.
34. Tail wagging the dog
Meaning: A situation where a small or unimportant part controls the whole.
Explanation: This idiom is used when the less important or smaller part of something is in control of the larger, more important part.
Usage:
In this company, it feels like the tail is wagging the dog, with junior staff making all the decisions.
The political party was accused of letting the tail wag the dog by pandering to its extremist wing.
It’s a case of the tail wagging the dog when social media trends dictate corporate strategies.
35. Teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: To learn something new later in life or after being set in one’s ways.
Explanation: This idiom is used to express the idea that it can be difficult for older people or those used to doing things a certain way to learn new things.
Usage:
Despite the saying, you can teach an old dog new tricks, as my grandfather proved by learning to use a smartphone.
The company is offering training sessions to teach an old dog new tricks.
She’s taking dance lessons to prove that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
36. That dog won’t hunt
Meaning: An idea or plan that is not going to work or be successful.
Explanation: This idiom is used to express skepticism or doubt about the viability of a plan or idea.
Usage:
I don’t think that dog won’t hunt, considering the lack of resources.
His proposal was interesting, but I’m afraid that dog won’t hunt.
She suggested a radical solution, but I suspect that dog won’t hunt.
37. The black dog
Meaning: A metaphor for depression or melancholy.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe the feeling of depression as a persistent, dark presence.
Usage:
He’s been struggling with the black dog since he lost his job.
She wrote a book about her battle with the black dog.
The black dog has been a constant companion in his life.
38. The dog ate my homework
Meaning: A classic, unconvincing excuse for failing to do something.
Explanation: This idiom is often used humorously to refer to a poor or implausible excuse for not completing a task.
Usage:
When the student said the dog ate my homework, the teacher just rolled her eyes.
He tried to use the dog ate my homework excuse, but no one believed him.
It’s time to come up with a better excuse than the dog ate my homework.
39. The tail wagging the dog
Meaning: A situation where a minor or secondary part controls the whole.
Explanation: Similar to “tail wagging the dog,” this idiom is used when the less important part of something is in control of the larger, more important part.
Usage:
In this scenario, it’s the tail wagging the dog, with the minor details dictating the entire project.
The company needs to avoid the tail-wagging the dog by focusing on its core mission.
It’s a classic case of the tail wagging the dog when the assistant makes all the decisions.
40. Throw someone to the dogs
Meaning: To abandon someone to their fate or to allow them to be harshly criticized or attacked.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is left to face the consequences of a situation without support or defense.
Usage:
The company threw him to the dogs when the scandal broke.
She felt thrown to the dogs by her so-called friends when the rumors started.
The politician was thrown to the dogs by his party after the controversy.
41. Top dog
Meaning: The leader or the most dominant person in a group.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is in a position of authority or who has the most influence in a situation.
Usage:
In this industry, you have to fight to be the top dog.
He’s the top dog in the company, making all the important decisions.
As the top dog of the team, she led them to victory.
42. Underdog
Meaning: A person or group in a competition, usually in sports, who is expected to lose.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is at a disadvantage or is less likely to succeed.
Usage:
Everyone loves a good underdog story, where the least likely to win comes out on top.
The team was the underdog, but they managed to pull off an upset.
She’s the underdog in this race, but she’s determined to prove everyone wrong.
43. Wag the dog
Meaning: To divert attention from something more important to something less significant.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone creates a distraction to shift focus away from a more serious issue.
Usage:
The government tried to wag the dog by focusing on a minor scandal instead of the economic crisis.
The company wagged the dog by announcing a new product to divert attention from the layoffs.
Politicians often wag the dog to avoid addressing pressing issues.
44. Work like a dog
Meaning: To work extremely hard or tirelessly.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is working very hard, often with long hours and great effort.
Usage:
He’s been working like a dog to get the project finished on time.
She worked like a dog to support her family.
They’re working like dogs to get the new store ready for the grand opening.
45. Yellow dog
Meaning: A loyal or faithful person, sometimes used in a political context to describe a loyal party member.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely loyal, often to a fault.
Usage:
He’s a yellow-dog Democrat, sticking with the party through thick and thin.
She’s a yellow dog when it comes to her friends, always standing by them.
The company values its yellow dogs, who show unwavering loyalty.
46. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: It’s difficult to get someone set in their ways to change or learn something new.
Explanation: This idiom is used to express skepticism about the ability of someone who is used to doing things a certain way to adapt or learn new methods.
Usage:
Trying to get him to use a computer is like teaching an old dog new tricks.
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but she’s proving them wrong by learning to dance.
He’s set in his ways; you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
47. A dog in the manger
Meaning: Someone who selfishly prevents others from using something they themselves do not need or want.
Explanation: Similar to “dog in the manger,” this idiom is used to describe a person who is being unnecessarily possessive or obstructive.
Usage:
He’s being a dog in the manger by holding onto the equipment even though he doesn’t use it.
Don’t be a dog in the manger; if you’re not going to read that book, let someone else borrow it.
The company acted like a dog in the manger, keeping the rights to the software even though they had no plans to develop it.
48. A barking dog never bites
Meaning: People who make the most threats are often the least likely to take action.
Explanation: This idiom is used to suggest that those who make loud threats or complaints are usually harmless.
Usage:
Don’t worry about his threats; a barking dog never bites.
She’s always complaining, but a barking dog never bites, so I doubt she’ll do anything.
The team realized that their competitor was all talk and no action, a classic case of a barking dog never bites.
49. Dog’s chance
Meaning: Very little or no chance at all.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where there is very little hope or possibility of success.
Usage:
He has a dog’s chance of winning the election against the incumbent.
They gave her a dog’s chance of surviving the illness, but she defied the odds.
The team had a dog’s chance of making it to the finals, but they pulled through.
50. The dog’s bark is worse than his bite
Meaning: Someone’s words or threats are more severe than their actions.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a person who may seem aggressive or threatening but is actually not harmful.
Usage:
Don’t be afraid of the boss; the dog’s bark is worse than his bite.
He may sound harsh, but the dog’s bark is worse than his bite; he’s really a softie.
The teacher seemed strict at first, but her dog’s bark was worse than her bite.
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Dog Idioms in English
The English language is replete with idiomatic expressions that draw from the characteristics and behaviors of dogs. These idioms, such as “barking up the wrong tree,” “let sleeping dogs lie,” and “top dog,” offer fascinating insights into human perception and linguistic creativity. By examining dog idioms in English, we can uncover the cultural and social significance of these expressions and their impact on communication.
We will provide specific examples and case studies to illustrate the practical applications of these dog idioms in both casual and professional settings. Additionally, we will reference linguistic research and studies to ensure that our exploration is grounded in solid academic understanding. This approach will not only make our content accessible and enjoyable but also informative and thought-provoking.
Whether you’re a language lover, a professional seeking to enhance your communication skills, or simply curious about the influence of man’s best friend on the English language, this blog post is for you. Join us as we embark on a linguistic journey, uncovering the beauty and complexity of “Dog Idioms in English.”
1. As crooked as a dog’s hind leg
Meaning: Extremely dishonest or deceitful.
Explanation: This idiom is often used to describe someone untrustworthy or involved in shady dealings.
Usage:
2. As sick as a dog
Meaning: Very ill or unwell.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is feeling extremely unwell, often with nausea or vomiting.
Usage:
3. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is focusing their efforts in the wrong direction or on the wrong problem.
Usage:
4. Be the top dog
Meaning: To be the leader or the most dominant person in a group.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is in a position of authority or who has the most influence in a situation.
Usage:
5. Call off the dogs
Meaning: To stop attacking or criticizing someone.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is asked to stop pursuing someone aggressively or to stop a hostile action.
Usage:
6. Dog and pony show
Meaning: A flashy, overblown presentation or performance designed to impress.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation that is all show and no substance, often meant to distract or deceive.
Usage:
7. Dog days of summer
Meaning: The hottest and most uncomfortable part of summer.
Explanation: This idiom originates from the ancient belief that the hot weather was caused by the dog star, Sirius, rising with the sun.
Usage:
8. Dog eat dog world
Meaning: A highly competitive and ruthless environment.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where people are willing to do anything, including harming others, to succeed.
Usage:
9. Dog in the manger
Meaning: Someone who selfishly prevents others from using something they themselves do not need or want.
Explanation: This idiom comes from a fable about a dog who lay in a manger, not eating the hay but preventing the cattle from eating it.
Usage:
10. Dog tired
Meaning: Extremely tired or exhausted.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a state of physical or mental fatigue.
Usage:
11. Dog’s breakfast
Meaning: A messy, disorganized, or chaotic situation.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe something that is poorly done or in a state of disorder.
Usage:
12. Dog’s dinner
Meaning: Dressed in an ostentatious or overly elaborate manner.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is dressed in a way that is considered too flashy or showy.
Usage:
13. Dog’s life
Meaning: A miserable, unhappy existence.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a life that is full of hardship and devoid of pleasure.
Usage:
14. Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone will have a moment of success or recognition at some point in their lives.
Explanation: This idiom is used to express the idea that everyone will experience success or good fortune at some time.
Usage:
15. Fight like cats and dogs
Meaning: To argue or fight intensely and frequently.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a relationship that is characterized by constant conflict.
Usage:
16. Give a dog a bad name
Meaning: To ruin someone’s reputation.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone’s reputation has been tarnished, and it becomes difficult for them to shake off the negative perception.
Usage:
17. Go to the dogs
Meaning: To deteriorate or decline in quality or condition.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe something that has gone downhill or become much worse than it used to be.
Usage:
18. Hair of the dog
Meaning: A small amount of alcohol consumed to relieve a hangover.
Explanation: This idiom is based on the belief that a small dose of what caused the problem (in this case, alcohol) can also cure it.
Usage:
19. Hangdog expression
Meaning: A sad, guilty, or shamefaced look.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe the facial expression of someone who looks dejected or guilty.
Usage:
20. Hounded by someone
Meaning: Persistently harassed or pursued by someone.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is being relentlessly pursued or bothered by another person.
Usage:
21. In the doghouse
Meaning: In a state of disfavor or trouble, usually with someone.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is in trouble with another person, typically a spouse or authority figure.
Usage:
22. It’s a dog’s life
Meaning: A life of hardship and struggle.
Explanation: This idiom is similar to “dog’s life,” describing a difficult existence.
Usage:
23. It’s raining cats and dogs
Meaning: It’s raining very heavily.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a heavy downpour or torrential rain.
Usage:
24. Keep the hair of the dog that bit you
Meaning: To continue drinking alcohol to relieve a hangover.
Explanation: Similar to “hair of the dog,” this idiom suggests that continuing to drink alcohol can alleviate the symptoms of a hangover.
Usage:
25. Lead a dog’s life
Meaning: To live a life of hardship and toil.
Explanation: This idiom is similar to “it’s a dog’s life,” describing a life filled with struggle and hard work.
Usage:
26. Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: To avoid bringing up an issue or reviving an old argument.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that it’s better to leave certain things undisturbed to avoid causing trouble.
Usage:
27. Like a dog with two tails
Meaning: Extremely happy or excited.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is overjoyed or thrilled about something.
Usage:
28. Love me, love my dog
Meaning: If you love someone, you should accept everything about them, including their flaws or those they are close to.
Explanation: This idiom suggests that accepting someone means accepting all aspects of their life.
Usage:
29. Mad dogs and Englishmen
Meaning: A phrase used to describe people who are out in the midday sun, suggesting it’s a foolish or reckless thing to do.
Explanation: This idiom is based on the idea that only mad dogs and Englishmen would be out in the hottest part of the day.
Usage:
30. Put on the dog
Meaning: To dress or act in a showy or ostentatious manner.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is trying to impress others with their appearance or behavior.
Usage:
31. Rain cats and dogs
Meaning: It’s raining very heavily.
Explanation: Similar to “it’s raining cats and dogs,” this idiom describes a torrential downpour.
Usage:
32. See a man about a dog
Meaning: A vague excuse used when someone is leaving but doesn’t want to reveal their true destination or purpose.
Explanation: This idiom is a way of excusing oneself without providing specifics.
Usage:
33. Sick as a dog
Meaning: Very ill or unwell.
Explanation: Similar to “as sick as a dog,” this idiom is used to describe someone who is feeling extremely unwell.
Usage:
34. Tail wagging the dog
Meaning: A situation where a small or unimportant part controls the whole.
Explanation: This idiom is used when the less important or smaller part of something is in control of the larger, more important part.
Usage:
35. Teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: To learn something new later in life or after being set in one’s ways.
Explanation: This idiom is used to express the idea that it can be difficult for older people or those used to doing things a certain way to learn new things.
Usage:
36. That dog won’t hunt
Meaning: An idea or plan that is not going to work or be successful.
Explanation: This idiom is used to express skepticism or doubt about the viability of a plan or idea.
Usage:
37. The black dog
Meaning: A metaphor for depression or melancholy.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe the feeling of depression as a persistent, dark presence.
Usage:
38. The dog ate my homework
Meaning: A classic, unconvincing excuse for failing to do something.
Explanation: This idiom is often used humorously to refer to a poor or implausible excuse for not completing a task.
Usage:
39. The tail wagging the dog
Meaning: A situation where a minor or secondary part controls the whole.
Explanation: Similar to “tail wagging the dog,” this idiom is used when the less important part of something is in control of the larger, more important part.
Usage:
40. Throw someone to the dogs
Meaning: To abandon someone to their fate or to allow them to be harshly criticized or attacked.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone is left to face the consequences of a situation without support or defense.
Usage:
41. Top dog
Meaning: The leader or the most dominant person in a group.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is in a position of authority or who has the most influence in a situation.
Usage:
42. Underdog
Meaning: A person or group in a competition, usually in sports, who is expected to lose.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is at a disadvantage or is less likely to succeed.
Usage:
43. Wag the dog
Meaning: To divert attention from something more important to something less significant.
Explanation: This idiom is used when someone creates a distraction to shift focus away from a more serious issue.
Usage:
44. Work like a dog
Meaning: To work extremely hard or tirelessly.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is working very hard, often with long hours and great effort.
Usage:
45. Yellow dog
Meaning: A loyal or faithful person, sometimes used in a political context to describe a loyal party member.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely loyal, often to a fault.
Usage:
46. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: It’s difficult to get someone set in their ways to change or learn something new.
Explanation: This idiom is used to express skepticism about the ability of someone who is used to doing things a certain way to adapt or learn new methods.
Usage:
47. A dog in the manger
Meaning: Someone who selfishly prevents others from using something they themselves do not need or want.
Explanation: Similar to “dog in the manger,” this idiom is used to describe a person who is being unnecessarily possessive or obstructive.
Usage:
48. A barking dog never bites
Meaning: People who make the most threats are often the least likely to take action.
Explanation: This idiom is used to suggest that those who make loud threats or complaints are usually harmless.
Usage:
49. Dog’s chance
Meaning: Very little or no chance at all.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a situation where there is very little hope or possibility of success.
Usage:
50. The dog’s bark is worse than his bite
Meaning: Someone’s words or threats are more severe than their actions.
Explanation: This idiom is used to describe a person who may seem aggressive or threatening but is actually not harmful.
Usage:
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