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You all know what a dog is right? If not, I’ll tell you…
A dog is a domesticated mammal that is often kept as a pet. They can be used for hunting, racing, guarding and in the police force. Dogs are closely related to wolves.
The word ‘dog’ can be used as an insult when said to a woman. It means she is physically unattractive.
e.g. Kelly is a dog, I wouldn’t go to the prom with her even if you paid me.
Here’s some dog-themed idioms and their meanings. I’ve even throw a picture example for you pleasure.
meaning – another name for a dog
example – I’ve got to take the pooch for a walk, then I’ll come to yours.
meaning – very ill
example – We’re all as sick as a dog. Sasha caught a bug and passed it to the rest of the family.
meaning – stop someone behaving aggressively towards another person
example – Call off the dogs Harry. He’s apologised, let that be the end of it.
meaning – ruthless unethical behaviour used to become successful in the working world
example – Being a banker is a dog-eat-dog world. I’m thinking of quitting for the simple life.
meaning – extremely tired
example – I need a few days off. I’ve been working 70 hours a week, I’m dog tired.
meaning – a complete mess
example – The guy I hired made a dog’s dinner of the electrics. He definitely isn’t getting paid.
meaning – leftover food gets put in a bag and taken home by someone
example – Thanks for coming, I’ve made you a doggy bag. I won’t be able to eat all this food.
meaning – wear clothes that are too flashy/pretentious for the occasion
example – Ciara always dresses up like the dog’s dinner. No wonder everyone always stares at her.
meaning – a very ugly face
example – Harley’s new girlfriend looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp.
meaning – argue and fight continuously
example – Me and my brother fought like cat and dog when we were kids.
meaning – deteriorate, turn bad
example – My town is going to the dogs. The crime rate has risen dramatically in recent years.
meaning – drink alcohol when you are hungover
example – Give Mike a hair of the dog. That will make him feel better.
meaning – harass, bother, annoy
example – The paparazzi continuously hound celebrities.
meaning – someone is angry/annoyed with you
example – I bought my mum her favourite flowers, so I’m out of the doghouse.
meaning – a dog
example – I was going to get a cat but decided on man’s best friend instead.
meaning – young, immature love
example – My son is 11 and has a girlfriend, I’m hoping it’s just puppy love.
meaning – raining heavily
example – It rained cats and dogs all week, I couldn’t hang out my washing.
meaning – an excuse for leaving
example – I’ll be back in a few minutes, I’ve got to see a man about a dog.
meaning – describing something as brilliant, fantastic, excellent, the best etc.
example – William thinks he’s the dog’s bolllocks at hockey. Adam is much better than him.
meaning – the leader/dominant one/most powerful person
example – If I get my promotion, I’ll be top dog.
You can download a table of dog idioms and expressions below.
If you’ve enjoyed this page, don’t forget to check out some more animal idioms by clicking on the links below.