Dog

top dog

Meaning: The term "top dog" means a person, group, or thing in a position of power, particularly after struggling or winning a grueling competition.

Example: Given the latest shakeups, she is hoping that her experience will make her the top dog in the accounting department. Read on

watchdog

Meaning: one who protects against loss, corruption, waste, or objectionable practices.

Example: Professor Smith was doing a lot of watchdogging during the mid-term exams at Polk High. Read on

bone to pick

Meaning: having a complaint that needs to be discussed.

Example: Jake walked up to Robert and told him that he had a bone to pick with him. Read on

dog’s life

Meaning: a miserable and unpleasant life

Example: Mark's been leading a dog's life since he was fired from the job. Read on

fight like cat and dog

Meaning: argue jealously and violently all the time

Example: The married couple fought like cat and dog the entire time they were together. Read on

barking dogs seldom bite

Meaning: to threaten someone, but not take action or follow through with threats

Example: "I haven't finished my maths homework. You know what Mr Peterson is like, he'll shout so loud they will hear him in the next town."
"Yes, but barking dogs seldom bite. It's just his way." Read on

you can’t teach an old dog new tricks

Meaning: you cannot make others change their habits

Example: I tried to make my grandmother learn how to use a smartphone but it was just like you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Read on

love me, love my dog

Meaning: to accept someone unconditionally

Example: My parents share a very straightforward relationship, it is like love me, love my dog. They accept each other exactly the way they are in person. Read on

wag the dog

Meaning: to divert attention from something that is bad

Example: The prime minister keeps wagging the dog to keep people from actually finding out about the scam and its details. Read on

all bark and no bite

Meaning: threatening, aggressive, but not willing to engage in a fight

Example: I heard he has threatened you with dire consequences if you don not stop that construction. Don't worry, he is all bark and no bite. Read on

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