Idioms About Dogs

I love using idioms because they add flavor to my writing and speaking. Using an idiom is like adding seasoning to bland food.

Dog Idioms

There are many idioms in the English language, but this short article features only dog idioms.

Whether you're feeling sick as a dog, working like a dog, or just enjoying a dog day afternoon, it's clear that our canine companions have left paw prints all over the English language. So, don't be in the dog house because you don't know what they mean.

"All bark and no bite"

Dogs of all breeds will bark, but many are harmless. If you’re saying that some people are all bark and no bite, you’re saying they give threats but won’t act on them.

"Dog days of summer"

Dog days of summer are the hottest and most stagnant days of summer, usually much of July through mid-August.

"Dog-eat-dog world"

A dog-eat-dog world refers to a harsh and competitive environment. It describes people who would harm others to get what they want, just like dogs that fight to get the biggest bone.

"It’s raining cats and dogs"

When people say, "It’s raining cats and dogs," they mean it is raining heavily. Cats and dogs don't fall from the sky.

"Let sleeping dogs lie"

"Let sleeping dogs lie" means "leave the situation alone like a sleeping dog." Otherwise, the sleeping dog might wake up mad. It is better not to stir up anything that could cause trouble. In other words, leave well enough alone.

"Pick of the litter"

Pick of the litter means something is the best choice, or a preferred option. If you have the “pick of the litter,” then you have the top choice, or you can get the best in a group.

"Puppy love"

Puppy love is a feeling of love or affection, usually innocent and temporary, occurring during childhood or adolescence.

"You can’t teach an old dog new tricks"

When people say, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” they’re saying that there’s no point in trying to change someone’s mind about an established routine.

"A doggy bag"

We might take leftover food home from restaurants in a doggy bag, even if we don't have a dog to give it to.

"Dog-tired"

Saying you are “dog-tired” means you are exhausted.

"Sick as a dog"

This idiom describes someone who feels very ill.

"Dog-eared"

A book that has corners of pages ripped off or turned down because of frequent use is dog-eared.

"Every dog has its day"

This idiom describes a person (usually of low status) who will eventually live successfully.

"Call off the dogs"

Call off the dogs is an idiom used when someone needs to stop criticizing another person.

"An underdog"

An underdog is someone who is not considered a favorite to win a tournament or contest. It is someone who is at a disadvantage.

"In the dog house"

Being in the doghouse means you’re in a bad situation because someone is angry with you. Therefore, you are not allowed in your own house. Instead, you must stay outside in the dog house.

"Barking up the wrong tree"

“Barking up the wrong tree” is a commonly used idiom to describe a person who has chosen the wrong course of action.

"Dog and pony show"

A dog and pony show is used to describe something fancy, flashy, and overly dramatic.

"It’s a dog’s life"

This idiom refers to the wretched and servile lives that some dogs are forced to live.

How to Learn Idioms

The best way to learn what idioms mean is to become acquainted with them by reading articles in magazines and books, and listening to native speakers on television and radio broadcasts. For instance, Dr. Phil McGraw often uses idioms in conversations with guests on his show.

Please Share!

If you know some dog idioms not included in this article, feel free to share them in the comments.