Dog idioms and expressions

What is a dog?

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.

dog idioms and expressions

Here’s some idioms and expressions about dogs.

a pooch
meaning – another name for a dog
example – I’ve got to take the pooch for a walk, then I’ll come to yours.

as sick as a dog
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.
call off the dogs
meaning – stop someone behaving aggressively towards another person
example – Call off the dogs Harry. He’s apologised, let that be the end of it.
dog eat dog world
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.
dog tired
meaning – extremely tired
example – I need a few days off. I’ve been working 70 hours a week, I’m dog tired.

dog’s dinner
meaning – a complete mess
example – The guy I hired made a dog’s dinner of the electrics. He definitely isn’t getting paid.

doggy bag
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.
dressed up like the dog’s dinner
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.

face like a bulldog chewing a wasp
meaning – a very ugly face
example – Harley’s new girlfriend looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp.
fight like cat and dog
meaning – argue and fight continuously
example – Me and my brother fought like cat and dog when we were kids.
go to the dogs
meaning – deteriorate, turn bad
example – My town is going to the dogs. The crime rate has risen dramatically in recent years.

hair of the dog
meaning – drink alcohol when you are hungover
example – Give Mike a hair of the dog. That will make him feel better.
hound someone
meaning – harass, bother, annoy
example – The paparazzi continuously hound celebrities.
in the doghouse
meaning – someone is angry/annoyed with you
example – I bought my mum her favourite flowers, so I’m out of the doghouse.

man’s best friend
meaning – a dog
example – I was going to get a cat but decided on man’s best friend instead.
puppy love
meaning – young, immature love
example – My son is 11 and has a girlfriend, I’m hoping it’s just puppy love.
rain cats and dogs
meaning – raining heavily
example – It rained cats and dogs all week, I couldn’t hang out my washing.
see a man about a dog
meaning – an excuse for leaving
example – I’ll be back in a few minutes, I’ve got to see a man about a dog.
the dog’s bollocks
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.
top dog
meaning – the leader/dominant one/most powerful person
example – If I get my promotion, I’ll be top dog.