An idiom is a word, phrase, or entire sentence whose meaning is understood through its common use. An idiom is best understood through casual conversation and experience. This is because an idiom’s meaning is different from the literal definition of the phrase.

 

 There are many idioms related to animal names and today you will learn the most common dog-related idioms. 

 

✅ As crooked as a dog’s hind leg

Very dishonest.

E.g: I find it hard to believe that any politician is not as crooked as a dog’s hind leg.

 

✅ As sick as a dog

Very sick.

E.g: I woke up as sick as a dog today. I must have caught the flu.

 

✅ Top dog

The person with the most authority, often in an organization, or who wins a competition.

E.g: She always acts like she’s top dog, but even she has a boss.

 

✅ An underdog

Someone at a disadvantage, or who is expected to lose or struggle (often in a competition).

E.g: Spain is definitely the underdog in this football match.

 

✅ To call off (the / one’s) dogs

To stop threatening, chasing, or attacking someone.

E.g: It’s time to call off your dogs and let him get back to work.

 

✅ A dog and pony show

Something that you disapprove of because you think that it has only been organized to impress you.

E.g: The presentation last week was just a dog and pony show. They didn’t actually address any of our concerns.

 

✅ Dog-eat-dog

In a dog-eat-dog situation, there is intense competition and rivalry, people will do anything to be successful, and they only think of themselves, even if what they do harms other people.

E.g: It is a dog-eat-dog job market these days.

 

✅ Every dog has his day

Everyone will have a chance or turn, everyone will get what he deserves.

E.g: I promise that you’ll get your opportunity soon. Every dog has his day.

 

✅ To fight like cats and dogs 

To argue with someone (usually used for people who know each other).

E.g: My kids were fighting like cats and dogs last night.

 

✅ To go to the dogs

To deteriorate, to become worse.

E.g: Many services in our neighborhood have gone to the dogs since the hurricane.

 

✅ The hair of the dog that bit (one)

A drink of alcohol that one takes when recovering from a hangover.

E.g: Oh, my head hurts. I think I’ll have the hair of the dog that bit me with my breakfast this morning.

 

✅ In the doghouse

In trouble, in someone’s disfavor (the opposite is out of the doghouse).

E.g: You’re going to be in the doghouse if the boss notices your mistake.

 

✅ To let sleeping dogs lie

Do not make trouble if you do not have to, don’t talk about things which have caused problems in the past, leave them alone.

E.g: You really shouldn’t bring that issue up with him again. It’s much better to let sleeping dogs lie.

 

✅ To rain cats and dogs

To rain very hard.

E.g: It rained cats and dogs all weekend but it was kind of nice and relaxing.

 

✅ To see a man about a (dog / horse)

A way to excuse oneself and to say that they are leaving for some unmentioned purpose (often to go to the washroom or to buy a drink).

E.g: Please excuse me. I’m going to see a man about a horse.

 

Let's practice! Write in the comments section sentences using these idioms related to dogs.

 

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