Dog Idioms

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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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


wag the dog

Meaning: Divert attention from something important by focusing on something less significant but more sensational.

Example: The government created a scandal just to wag the dog before elections. Read more ➺


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 more ➺


dog days

Meaning: hot, sultry days.

Example: During the dog days of summer, people prefer to remain indoors and go out as little as possible. Read more ➺


puppy love

Meaning: a mild infatuation, or a crush

Example: Most teenagers are quick to fall in love and expect it to last a lifetime, but of course it is puppy love and they soon fall out of it. Read more ➺


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