Dogs are a rich source of idiomatic expressions that provide unique insights into figurative language. I share 28 dog-related idioms, each with its own meaning and example. These idioms are grouped into categories: funny, best, top dog, and dog and cat idioms.
They not only reflect our cultural connection to dogs but also illustrate how language evolves to summarize everyday life. Whether you’re working like a dog or letting sleeping dogs lie, these idioms offer a fascinating glimpse into how we use language to convey complex ideas simply and effectively. Let’s dive into the world of dog idioms and uncover their meanings and uses.
List of 28 idioms for dogs
- Let sleeping dogs lie
- A dog’s life
- Every dog has its day
- Gone to the dogs
- In the doghouse
- It’s a dog-eat-dog world
- Raining cats and dogs
- Sick as a dog
- Tail wagging the dog
- The dog’s bark is worse than its bite
- Top dog
- Throw to the dogs
- Work like a dog
- You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
- Dog-eared
- Dog-tired
- Dog-and-bone
- Dogged determination
- Hot dog
- Big dog
- Dog in the fight
- Alpha dog
- Top dog
- Dog and pony show
- Fight like cats and dogs
- Rain cats and dogs
- Dog-and-cat life
- Curiosity killed the cat
Funny Idioms for Dog
Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: Don’t instigate trouble.
Example: I decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not confront her about the mistake.
Best Idioms for Dog
A dog’s life
Meaning: A miserable existence.
Example: After losing his job, he lived a dog’s life.
Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone gets a chance.
Example: Don’t worry; every dog has its day.
Gone to the dogs
Meaning: Deteriorated condition.
Example: The old neighborhood has gone to the dogs.
In the doghouse
Meaning: Out of favor.
Example: He’s in the doghouse for missing the meeting.
It’s a dog-eat-dog world
Meaning: Ruthlessly competitive.
Example: In business, it’s a dog-eat-dog world.
Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Heavy rain.
Example: It’s raining cats and dogs outside!
Sick as a dog
Meaning: Very ill.
Example: He was sick as a dog after eating the leftovers.
Tail wagging the dog
Meaning: A minor part controlling the whole.
Example: In this case, the tail is wagging the dog.
The dog’s bark is worse than its bite
Meaning: Not as scary as it sounds.
Example: His threats are just words; his bark is worse than his bite.
Top dog
Meaning: Leader.
Example: She became the top dog in her company.
Throw to the dogs
Meaning: Abandon to criticism.
Example: They threw him to the dogs after the scandal.
Work like a dog
Meaning: Work very hard.
Example: She works like a dog to support her family.
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: Hard to change old habits.
Example: He’s set in his ways; you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Dog-eared
Meaning: Worn out.
Example: The book was dog-eared from constant use.
Dog-tired
Meaning: Very tired.
Example: After the hike, I was dog-tired.
Dog-and-bone
Meaning: Telephone (British slang).
Example: I’ll give you a call on the dog-and-bone.
Dogged determination
Meaning: Persistent effort.
Example: She showed dogged determination in finishing the marathon.
Hot dog
Meaning: Show-off.
Example: He’s a real hot dog on the skateboard.
Idioms for Top Dog
Big dog
Meaning: Important person.
Example: The big dogs in the company met to discuss the merger.
Dog in the fight
Meaning: Stake in a situation.
Example: I don’t have a dog in this fight, so I’ll stay neutral.
Alpha dog
Meaning: Dominant leader.
Example: In their group, John is the alpha dog.
Top dog
Meaning: The best or leader.
Example: She aims to be the top dog in the industry.
Dog and pony show
Meaning: Over-the-top presentation.
Example: The product launch was a dog and pony show.
Idioms for Dog and Cat
Fight like cats and dogs
Meaning: Argue fiercely.
Example: They fight like cats and dogs over trivial matters.
Rain cats and dogs
Meaning: Heavy rain.
Example: It’s raining cats and dogs today.
Dog-and-cat life
Meaning: Quarrelsome relationship.
Example: They lived a dog-and-cat life for years.
Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: Being inquisitive can lead to trouble.
Example: Curiosity killed the cat when she pried into his affairs.
1. What is the meaning of “a dog’s life”?
“A dog’s life” means living a miserable or difficult existence. For example, after losing his job, he lived a dog’s life, struggling to make ends meet and facing constant challenges.
2. How does “let sleeping dogs lie” apply to real-life situations?
“Let sleeping dogs lie” advises against stirring up trouble or reopening old issues. In real-life scenarios, it means avoiding conflict by not bringing up past grievances.
For instance, in a workplace dispute, it’s often better to let sleeping dogs lie than to reignite old arguments.
You also have the option to explore a broader range of idioms, like animals idioms.
3. Why do people say “every dog has its day”?
“Every dog has its day” implies that everyone will have their moment of success or good fortune. This phrase encourages patience and perseverance, suggesting that eventually, everyone will have an opportunity to shine, much like every dog will have its time to bask in the sun.
