It feels like the English language has an obsession with animals when it comes to idioms. And for some reason, dog idioms seem to be especially popular.
You might have heard someone say that it’s ‘raining cats and dogs’ or that ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’, but what do these sayings actually mean? Take a look through this list of dog idioms and all will become clear.
Dog idioms – fun expressions with definitions
Raining cats and dogs
This is one of the best-known dog idioms in English, and also a funny one to visualize! Of course, we don’t literally mean that it is raining cats and dogs with animals falling from the sky. It actually just refers to very heavy rain.
“It’s been raining cats and dogs for several days now; I hope the river doesn’t burst its banks.”
This is just one way to describe rain, and there are lots of other weather idioms to learn about as well.
As mean as a junkyard dog
To explain this dog idiom, we must first understand what a junkyard (also called a scrapyard) is. This is a place where scrap metal is collected for either selling or recycling.
In order to stop people from stealing the items that are being stored, a guard dog may be present. As these are working dogs used to scare people away, they are normally tough, fierce, barking dogs.
Therefore, a person who’s said to be as mean as a junkyard dog is a cruel, violent, scary person.
“I thought he was a nice guy but after a few drinks he’s as mean as a junkyard dog.”
The construction ‘as … as’ means that this is technically a simile, but it’s still a fun expression to include here.
A dog’s life
You may think that dogs have quite nice lives, but this idiom means the exact opposite. A dog’s life refers to an unhappy, miserable, hard, boring life.
“It’s a bit of a dog’s life living in the big city.”
Discover some more life idioms to help you describe your situation, whether good or bad.
A shaggy dog story
Do you have a friend that always tells long, boring stories and jokes? Perhaps they are funny because they are pointless and inconsequential? Then this friend has told you a shaggy dog story.
“So what was the point our teacher was trying to make? It felt like a shaggy dog story!”
As sick as a dog
Here’s another simile that’s sneaked onto our list of dog idioms. When you want an exaggerated way of saying you’re not feeling well, normally after a night of drinking alcohol, you could say you are as sick as a dog.
“It was a great night out but now I’m feeling as sick as a dog.”
This is not to be confused with the saying ‘as sick as a parrot’, which expresses disappointment.
Check out some more health and sickness idioms here.
Barking dogs seldom bite
This saying, barking dogs seldom bite, is similar to ‘all talk and no action’. Both refer to someone who makes a lot of noise or talks a lot but doesn’t do anything or take action.
However, this particular phrase is mainly used for reassurance when someone threatens violence but you don’t believe they will carry it out.
“Don’t worry, he won’t really hit you. A barking dog seldom bites.”
“I know it’s a scary situation, but barking dogs seldom bite.”
It’s fine to use this idiom in the singular or plural form, as shown in the examples above.
His/her bark is worse than his/her bite
This is similar to the one above, but his/her bark is worse than his/her bite describes someone who may seem frightening, unpleasant, grumpy or negative in some way, but who is actually not really that bad.
“I know the new boss seems scary but her bark is worst than her bite.”
Why have a dog and bark yourself?
Our list continues with this popular British English saying. If there is someone that can already do a certain job or task for you then why do it yourself?
As the phrase says, Why have a dog and bark yourself?; why would you bark if you already have a dog that barks for you?
“So you’re expecting me to take the bins out? Erm … no! Why have a dog and bark yourself? That’s your job!”
If you lie down with dogs you’ll get up with fleas
You may have heard the quote “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn.
Well, to say if you lie down with dogs you’ll get up with fleas has a similar point. Spending time with negative or unsavory people may cause you to pick up some of their bad characteristics, or at least become associated with them.
“I can’t choose your friends for you but I’m not sure they are the best people to hang out with. Just remember, if you lie down with dogs you’ll get up with fleas.”
Why is it ‘lie down’ rather than ‘lay down’? Read about lay vs lie for the answer.
It’s raining cats and dogs with dog idioms!
Dog whistle
An actual dog whistle is a high-pitched whistle that is only audible to dogs.
However, this term has another, newer meaning which puts it on our list of dog idioms. You may, or may not, hear it used in political messages. And that’s the problem. A dog whistle is something said or a picture shown that looks neutral but hides a subtle message aimed at a certain group of people.
“I can’t believe what I just heard the PM say. That was such a dog whistle and I bet no one else notices it!”
Dog-eared
Normally referring to the state of a book or any object made of paper, a dog-eared item looks old, tatty and well-worn.
“Look at the state of this book. It’s all dog-eared.”
You may also use dog-ear as a verb to refer to the act of turning down the corner of a page in a book to mark the place. And as a noun, it refers to the corner that is folded down.
Call the dogs off
There are many situations when you could ask someone to call the dogs off. Perhaps someone is criticizing, threatening or attacking you, or one sports team is losing badly to another. Use this phrase if you need them to stop and leave you alone.
“Look, I repaid the money I owed yesterday so please call the dogs off now.”
Hair of the dog / bite the dog that bit you / hair of the dog that bit you
These dog idioms are all versions of the same alcohol-related saying.
The morning after a night out with a few drinks you may feel ill. This is called a hangover. Probably the last thing you fancy is more alcohol, but people will suggest the hair of the dog will help you. Simply put, it’s drinking more alcohol to cure a hangover!
“I know I’m hungover but I really fancy a Buck’s Fizz. Hair of the dog and all that.”
The origin of this expression is really quite interesting, as are these other idioms about drinking.
Dog’s dinner
When we describe something as a dog’s dinner, it means a mess or a muddle. This dog idiom can be used in all kinds of situations.
For example, you could say that someone looks like a dog’s dinner. This would suggest that although they have made a lot of effort to look their best, they still look a mess.
“Some of the ladies on race day are done up like a dog’s dinner if you ask me.”
“You can’t attend the ball dressed like that! You look like a dog’s dinner!”
This idiom can also refer to making a mess of a situation, or getting confused or muddled about something.
“Oh no, I have made a right dog’s dinner of this recipe.”
Everyone and his dog
Out of all the dog idioms listed here, everyone and his dog may be the easiest to use in everyday conversation. It’s a very amusing way of describing a lot – or the majority – of people.
“I think everyone and his dog are at this party.”
It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks
With all the new technology that seems to be invented and released monthly, this is a very apt saying. This refers to someone (perhaps old or unwilling) who cannot or does not want to learn new things.
Just as young dogs learn new tricks quite easily, it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks.
“Listen, there’s no point buying your Nana a new smartphone. It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, so just get the basic model.”
There are many more idioms about learning and education expressions that you can check out.
Gone to the dogs
If you need a way to say something has gone badly, is less successful than it was, or is now ruined, use gone to the dogs.
“I was walking around the older part of town yesterday and it’s really gone to the dogs. Shame.”
It’s believed that this comes from the time when used or spoiled items like food or old blankets would be given to dogs to eat or use.
As you can see, dogs really do feature a lot in idioms. No wonder, as they are said to be man’s best friends. Leave us a comment and let us know which one you’ll use today.
You’ll find even more in our animals idioms list, or perhaps you’re ready to check out some idioms featuring cats instead?
