Cats and dogs are some of the most loved pets in American homes. They show up in stories, cartoons, and even in the words we use every day. In the USA, people often use fun or clever phrases called idioms that mention cats and dogs. These idioms help us talk about feelings, actions, and weather in a more colorful way.
Some of these sayings are silly, like “raining cats and dogs,” while others tell us something about people’s behavior. By learning these idioms, students and readers can better understand how Americans speak and think. It also helps you enjoy movies, books, and everyday talk a little more. Let’s take a look at some popular cat and dog idioms and learn what they mean.
Idioms About Cats and Dogs
1. Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: It’s raining very hard
Example Sentence:
– It was raining cats and dogs, so we stayed inside.
– We got soaked walking home in the rain because it was raining cats and dogs.
Other ways to say: Pouring rain, raining heavily
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been used since the 1600s and may come from old stories where animals were swept through streets during storms.
Usage: Talking about very heavy rain.
2. Fight like cats and dogs
Meaning: To argue or fight a lot
Example Sentence:
– My brother and I fight like cats and dogs over the TV remote.
– Those two always fight like cats and dogs during group projects.
Other ways to say: Always argue, can’t get along
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats and dogs are known to not get along, so this idiom shows how people argue like them.
Usage: When people often argue or don’t agree.
3. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: To tell a secret
Example Sentence:
– She let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
– Don’t let the cat out of the bag before Mom’s birthday.
Other ways to say: Spill the beans, tell the secret
Fun Fact/Origin: In old markets, people were tricked by being sold a cat instead of a pig. The truth came out when the bag was opened.
Usage: When someone tells a secret too soon.
4. Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: Being too curious can get you in trouble
Example Sentence:
– Don’t touch that button—curiosity killed the cat!
– He got in trouble for snooping around. Curiosity killed the cat.
Other ways to say: Mind your business, don’t be too nosy
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase warns against being too curious, especially in risky situations.
Usage: A warning to not be too curious.
5. Cat nap
Meaning: A short nap
Example Sentence:
– I took a cat nap after lunch.
– He felt better after a quick cat nap.
Other ways to say: Quick rest, short sleep
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats sleep often but only for short times, which inspired the term.
Usage: When you take a quick nap.
6. Dog days of summer
Meaning: The hottest days of summer
Example Sentence:
– The dog days of summer are the best time for swimming.
– It’s too hot to play outside during the dog days of summer.
Other ways to say: Hottest part of summer, long hot days
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from ancient times when the star Sirius (Dog Star) rose with the sun during hot days.
Usage: Refers to hot, lazy summer days.
7. The cat’s out of the bag
Meaning: A secret is no longer a secret
Example Sentence:
– The cat’s out of the bag—we know about the vacation!
– Once he saw the gift, the cat was out of the bag.
Other ways to say: The secret is out, everyone knows
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “let the cat out of the bag.”
Usage: Used after a secret has been told.
8. Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone gets a chance at success
Example Sentence:
– He finally got picked for the team. Every dog has its day.
– Don’t worry—you’ll get your turn. Every dog has its day.
Other ways to say: Your time will come, be patient
Fun Fact/Origin: Used to give hope that even those who wait will succeed one day.
Usage: To comfort or encourage someone.
9. Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: Don’t bring up old problems
Example Sentence:
– Just let sleeping dogs lie. Don’t talk about the fight again.
– We made peace, so let sleeping dogs lie.
Other ways to say: Leave it alone, don’t bring it up
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to not waking up a dog that might bite if disturbed.
Usage: Used when avoiding past arguments.
10. Like a cat on a hot tin roof
Meaning: Very nervous or jumpy
Example Sentence:
– She was like a cat on a hot tin roof before her test.
– He couldn’t sit still, like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Other ways to say: Very jumpy, super nervous
Fun Fact/Origin: This came from how cats act when walking on hot metal—nervous and twitchy.
Usage: When someone is very nervous or restless.
11. Top dog
Meaning: The most important or powerful person
Example Sentence:
– He’s the top dog at his job.
– Everyone listens to her—she’s the top dog in the group.
Other ways to say: Boss, leader
Fun Fact/Origin: In dog fights, the winner was called the top dog.
Usage: Used to describe someone in charge or the best.
12. Cool cat
Meaning: A relaxed and stylish person
Example Sentence:
– He’s a cool cat who doesn’t worry too much.
– She’s a cool cat with great fashion.
Other ways to say: Chill person, smooth
Fun Fact/Origin: Became popular in 1950s jazz culture.
Usage: A fun way to call someone calm and stylish.
13. Sick as a dog
Meaning: Very sick
Example Sentence:
– I was sick as a dog last weekend.
– She stayed home because she was sick as a dog.
Other ways to say: Really sick, very ill
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs used to be thought of as catching sickness easily.
Usage: When someone feels very sick.
14. Like the cat that ate the canary
Meaning: Someone who looks very proud or guilty
Example Sentence:
– He smiled like the cat that ate the canary after winning.
– She looked guilty, like the cat that ate the canary.
Other ways to say: Look smug, look sneaky
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats are known to catch birds, and look proud after.
Usage: Describes someone who looks like they got away with something.
15. Hair of the dog
Meaning: Having a small amount of what made you sick to feel better
Example Sentence:
– He said the hair of the dog would help his headache.
– After the party, he tried the hair of the dog trick.
Other ways to say: Cure with the cause
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of curing a dog bite with dog hair.
Usage: Usually said about drinking alcohol after too much the night before.
16. Work like a dog
Meaning: To work very hard
Example Sentence:
– She worked like a dog to finish the project.
– I’ve been working like a dog all week.
Other ways to say: Work really hard, work nonstop
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how dogs used to be working animals.
Usage: To describe someone putting in lots of effort.
17. The cat’s meow
Meaning: Something really great
Example Sentence:
– That new phone is the cat’s meow.
– He thinks his car is the cat’s meow.
Other ways to say: Awesome, really cool
Fun Fact/Origin: A popular saying from the 1920s in the USA.
Usage: A fun way to say something is amazing.
18. Dog-eat-dog world
Meaning: A very competitive environment
Example Sentence:
– It’s a dog-eat-dog world in big business.
– The job market is dog-eat-dog these days.
Other ways to say: Cutthroat, very competitive
Fun Fact/Origin: From the idea that dogs might fight for survival.
Usage: When talking about tough or competitive places.
19. Cat got your tongue?
Meaning: Why are you so quiet?
Example Sentence:
– You’re not saying anything—cat got your tongue?
– When the teacher asked, he just froze. Cat got your tongue?
Other ways to say: Why so quiet? Tongue-tied
Fun Fact/Origin: The reason is unclear, but it’s been said for over 100 years.
Usage: Said when someone is silent and expected to speak.
20. Tail wagging the dog
Meaning: A small part controlling the whole
Example Sentence:
– Don’t let one player control the team. That’s the tail wagging the dog.
– The tail’s wagging the dog when kids make the rules.
Other ways to say: Things are backward
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s strange for a tail to control the dog—it should be the other way.
Usage: Describes when something less important is in charge.
21. Cat around
Meaning: To act in a wild or playful way
Example Sentence:
– He was catting around instead of studying.
– Stop catting around and clean your room.
Other ways to say: Fool around, goof off
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how cats sneak and play at night.
Usage: When someone is being silly or wasting time.
22. Dog tired
Meaning: Very tired
Example Sentence:
– After soccer, I was dog tired.
– She was dog tired after working two shifts.
Other ways to say: Exhausted, worn out
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs sleep a lot after hard work.
Usage: When someone is extremely tired.
23. A scaredy-cat
Meaning: Someone who is easily scared
Example Sentence:
– Don’t be a scaredy-cat—it’s just a movie.
– He’s a scaredy-cat when it comes to bugs.
Other ways to say: Chicken, afraid
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats jump and run from sudden noise or danger.
Usage: Said to someone who is easily frightened.
24. Gone to the dogs
Meaning: Something has become worse
Example Sentence:
– This place has gone to the dogs since new owners took over.
– The old stadium has gone to the dogs.
Other ways to say: Falling apart, getting worse
Fun Fact/Origin: People once threw old food to dogs.
Usage: When talking about decline.
25. Cat fight
Meaning: A fight between two people, usually girls
Example Sentence:
– Did you hear that loud cat fight behind the school?
– That argument turned into a cat fight.
Other ways to say: A loud argument, a quarrel
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats hiss and scratch when they fight.
Usage: Used to describe personal, dramatic fights.
26. A dog’s life
Meaning: A hard or unhappy life
Example Sentence:
– He works all day and gets no thanks—a dog’s life.
– Some pets are spoiled, but others live a dog’s life.
Other ways to say: Tough life, hard times
Fun Fact/Origin: Once, dogs were not pampered like today.
Usage: Used to describe a tough or sad situation.
27. Cool as a cat
Meaning: Calm in a tough situation
Example Sentence:
– He stayed cool as a cat during the fire drill.
– She was cool as a cat before her big speech.
Other ways to say: Calm, collected
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats often look calm even when things are crazy.
Usage: When someone handles stress well.
28. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Blaming the wrong person or thing
Example Sentence:
– If you think I broke it, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
– He blamed me, but he’s barking up the wrong tree.
Other ways to say: Wrong guess, wrong blame
Fun Fact/Origin: Hunting dogs barked at trees where they thought prey was hiding.
Usage: To say someone is making a mistake.
29. Copycat
Meaning: Someone who copies another
Example Sentence:
– Stop being a copycat and get your own ideas.
– She wore the same outfit again—total copycat.
Other ways to say: Imitator, follower
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats mimic each other sometimes, which led to the term.
Usage: Used when someone copies someone else.
30. Dog in the manger
Meaning: Someone who won’t use something but won’t let others use it either
Example Sentence:
– He’s a dog in the manger—he won’t play and won’t let others play.
– She won’t eat the last piece, but won’t let anyone else have it.
Other ways to say: Selfish, won’t share
Fun Fact/Origin: A dog once lay in a manger and wouldn’t let cows eat the hay.
Usage: Describes selfish behavior.
31. Like herding cats
Meaning: Trying to control something very hard or disorganized
Example Sentence:
– Getting those kids in line is like herding cats.
– Planning the trip with everyone was like herding cats.
Other ways to say: Hard to manage, very tricky
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats don’t follow orders, so herding them is nearly impossible.
Usage: Used when managing something is frustrating and out of control.
32. Let sleeping cats lie (variation of “let sleeping dogs lie”)
Meaning: Don’t bring up past problems
Example Sentence:
– Let sleeping cats lie and don’t remind her of that fight.
– He didn’t want to start drama, so he let sleeping cats lie.
Other ways to say: Leave it alone, don’t dig it up
Fun Fact/Origin: A softer version made for fun, based on the better-known dog version.
Usage: Used when it’s better to leave old issues alone.
33. A cat in gloves catches no mice
Meaning: Being too careful won’t help you succeed
Example Sentence:
– If you want that spot on the team, be bold. A cat in gloves catches no mice.
– She didn’t speak up, and lost the chance. A cat in gloves catches no mice.
Other ways to say: Don’t hold back, take action
Fun Fact/Origin: Gloves slow down a cat—just like being too polite may stop success.
Usage: When you need to take bold action to win.
34. Cat on a leash
Meaning: Someone who doesn’t like being controlled
Example Sentence:
– He looked like a cat on a leash at that fancy dinner.
– She hates rules, always feels like a cat on a leash.
Other ways to say: Feels trapped, doesn’t like being told what to do
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats often resist being walked on leashes.
Usage: When someone dislikes strict rules or being bossed around.
35. Barking mad
Meaning: Acting wild or crazy
Example Sentence:
– That idea is barking mad—it’ll never work.
– He ran outside in the snow barefoot—barking mad!
Other ways to say: Nuts, totally wild
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in British English, based on dogs barking wildly.
Usage: Used for silly or strange behavior.
36. A dog and pony show
Meaning: A big show meant to impress, not always real
Example Sentence:
– The meeting was just a dog and pony show for the boss.
– All that decorating? Just a dog and pony show for guests.
Other ways to say: A flashy event, show-off display
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from old traveling shows with dogs and ponies doing tricks.
Usage: When people put on a show to look good.
37. Throw someone to the dogs
Meaning: To sacrifice someone to save yourself
Example Sentence:
– He threw his teammate to the dogs to look good.
– Don’t throw me to the dogs just to get out of trouble.
Other ways to say: Blame someone else, leave someone to suffer
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from stories where people were fed to dogs as punishment.
Usage: When someone is blamed or left behind.
38. The doghouse
Meaning: In trouble or being punished
Example Sentence:
– He forgot their anniversary and is in the doghouse.
– I missed curfew and now I’m in the doghouse.
Other ways to say: In trouble, not in favor
Fun Fact/Origin: A doghouse is outside, so being sent there means you’re out of favor.
Usage: When someone’s in trouble, especially with a loved one.
39. Like a dog with a bone
Meaning: Not giving up on something
Example Sentence:
– She’s like a dog with a bone when solving puzzles.
– He won’t stop until he wins—like a dog with a bone.
Other ways to say: Very determined, won’t quit
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs don’t let go of bones easily.
Usage: Describes someone who is very persistent.
40. Look what the cat dragged in
Meaning: A joking way to greet someone who looks messy or shows up late
Example Sentence:
– Well, look what the cat dragged in—finally home!
– You’re a mess! Look what the cat dragged in!
Other ways to say: You look rough, nice of you to show up
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats often drag in messy things from outside—like mice.
Usage: Said in a teasing, funny way when someone arrives.
Quiz: Idioms About Cats and Dogs
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Each question has one right answer.
Question Key
1. What does “raining cats and dogs” mean?
A) Cats and dogs are outside
B) It’s raining very hard
C) Animals are making noise
2. What does “let the cat out of the bag” mean?
A) To let a pet run away
B) To tell a secret
C) To go shopping
3. What does “dog tired” mean?
A) A sleepy dog
B) A person who is wide awake
C) A person who is very tired
4. What does “fight like cats and dogs” mean?
A) People who cuddle
B) People who always argue
C) Cats and dogs playing
5. What does “the cat’s meow” mean?
A) A sound cats make
B) Something very cool
C) A scary sound
6. What does “in the doghouse” mean?
A) Someone is lost
B) Someone is sleeping
C) Someone is in trouble
7. What does “like herding cats” mean?
A) Easy to manage
B) Very hard to control
C) Playing with pets
8. What does “top dog” mean?
A) The best or leader
B) A pet
C) Someone who lost a game
9. What does “copycat” mean?
A) Someone who acts on their own
B) Someone who copies others
C) A new type of animal
10. What does “cat nap” mean?
A) A long night sleep
B) A short rest
C) Sleeping like a dog
11. What does “like a dog with a bone” mean?
A) Someone who is tired
B) Someone who gives up
C) Someone who doesn’t quit
12. What does “barking up the wrong tree” mean?
A) Climbing a tree
B) Blaming the wrong person
C) Playing fetch
13. What does “a scaredy-cat” mean?
A) A brave person
B) A person who is scared easily
C) A fast runner
14. What does “the dog days of summer” mean?
A) Cold weather
B) The hottest time of summer
C) Days for dog shows
15. What does “look what the cat dragged in” mean?
A) Someone looks messy or just showed up
B) A lost pet is found
C) A person is dancing
Answer Key
- B – It’s raining very hard
- B – To tell a secret
- C – A person who is very tired
- B – People who always argue
- B – Something very cool
- C – Someone is in trouble
- B – Very hard to control
- A – The best or leader
- B – Someone who copies others
- B – A short rest
- C – Someone who doesn’t quit
- B – Blaming the wrong person
- B – A person who is scared easily
- B – The hottest time of summer
- A – Someone looks messy or just showed up
Wrapping Up
Idioms about cats and dogs make language more fun. In the USA, people use these phrases to describe feelings, actions, and even the weather. When you learn idioms like “raining cats and dogs” or “let the cat out of the bag,” it helps you understand what others mean in a cool and simple way.
Now that you’ve seen 40 of them, try using them in your own conversations. These idioms are easy to remember and can help you speak and write like a pro. Just like your favorite pet, these idioms can become your favorite way to express ideas.
