Dogs have been close friends to people in the USA for many years. They are loyal, playful, and part of many families. Because they are so important, Americans often use dog-related sayings in everyday talk. These sayings, called idioms, do not always mean exactly what the words say. Instead, they share an idea or feeling in a fun way.
In this article, we will look at idioms about dogs and learn what they really mean. Some of them are about loyalty, some about hard work, and others about tricky situations. You might have heard these phrases on TV, in books, or from friends. Once you know them, you can use them in your own conversations to sound more natural and colorful.
Idioms About Dogs
1. Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Accusing or blaming the wrong person.
Example Sentence:
• I thought Sarah broke the vase, but I was barking up the wrong tree.
• If you think I ate the last cookie, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Other ways to say: Pointing the finger at the wrong person, blaming wrongly
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from hunting dogs who bark at a tree thinking their prey is there, but it isn’t.
Usage: Used when someone is mistaken about who did something.
2. Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: Avoid starting trouble if things are peaceful.
Example Sentence:
• We decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not bring up the old argument.
• Don’t ask him about the broken window—just let sleeping dogs lie.
Other ways to say: Don’t stir things up, leave it alone
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea that a sleeping dog is calm, but waking it might cause problems.
Usage: Used when avoiding conflict is the best choice.
3. Work like a dog
Meaning: To work very hard.
Example Sentence:
• My dad worked like a dog to finish building the deck before winter.
• She worked like a dog all week to get the house ready for guests.
Other ways to say: Work tirelessly, work really hard
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to farm or hunting dogs that often work all day without rest.
Usage: Used when someone puts in a lot of effort.
4. Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone gets a chance to succeed.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t give up—you’ll win someday. Every dog has its day.
• He finally scored a goal after a long season. Every dog has its day.
Other ways to say: Everyone gets a chance, your time will come
Fun Fact/Origin: An old proverb dating back hundreds of years.
Usage: Used to give hope that good fortune will come.
5. Dog-eat-dog world
Meaning: A very competitive place where people fight to get ahead.
Example Sentence:
• The business world can be a dog-eat-dog world.
• It’s a dog-eat-dog world in pro sports—only the best survive.
Other ways to say: Tough competition, survival of the fittest
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests a place where dogs would turn on each other for survival.
Usage: Used when describing tough, competitive situations.
6. In the doghouse
Meaning: In trouble or out of favor.
Example Sentence:
• I forgot our anniversary, and now I’m in the doghouse.
• He’s in the doghouse for breaking the neighbor’s window.
Other ways to say: In trouble, out of favor
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of sending a misbehaving dog outside.
Usage: Used when someone is in trouble with another person.
7. Top dog
Meaning: The most important person.
Example Sentence:
• She’s the top dog in the company now.
• In our soccer league, he’s the top dog.
Other ways to say: Leader, boss
Fun Fact/Origin: May have come from dogfighting, where the winner is on top.
Usage: Used when talking about someone in charge.
8. The tail wagging the dog
Meaning: A small part controlling the whole.
Example Sentence:
• The assistant making all the decisions is the tail wagging the dog.
• It’s like the tail wagging the dog when kids run the classroom.
Other ways to say: Roles reversed, backwards situation
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares control to a tail leading the dog, which is unnatural.
Usage: Used when a less important part takes control.
9. Dog-tired
Meaning: Extremely tired.
Example Sentence:
• I was dog-tired after running the 5K.
• She’s dog-tired from cleaning all day.
Other ways to say: Worn out, exhausted
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs often collapse in exhaustion after working or playing hard.
Usage: Used when someone is very tired.
10. Go to the dogs
Meaning: To decline or get worse.
Example Sentence:
• The old store has gone to the dogs.
• Our team’s season has gone to the dogs after losing three games.
Other ways to say: Fall apart, go downhill
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests something being abandoned and left for the dogs.
Usage: Used when quality decreases badly.
11. Puppy love
Meaning: Young or early romantic feelings.
Example Sentence:
• Their relationship is just puppy love—it might not last.
• At 12, I had my first case of puppy love.
Other ways to say: Crush, young love
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares young, innocent romance to a puppy’s playful affection.
Usage: Used for lighthearted, early feelings of romance.
12. Rain cats and dogs
Meaning: Rain very heavily.
Example Sentence:
• We canceled the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.
• It rained cats and dogs during the football game.
Other ways to say: Pour down, heavy rain
Fun Fact/Origin: Likely comes from old English sayings describing storm chaos.
Usage: Used when it rains a lot.
13. Dog and pony show
Meaning: An event meant to impress, not to be useful.
Example Sentence:
• The meeting was just a dog and pony show for the investors.
• The show was more about looks than results—a real dog and pony show.
Other ways to say: Show-off event, flashy display
Fun Fact/Origin: Came from traveling circuses with small animal acts.
Usage: Used for over-the-top presentations.
14. Shaggy dog story
Meaning: A long, silly, pointless story.
Example Sentence:
• His story about fishing was a shaggy dog story.
• She told a shaggy dog story that took 15 minutes to get to nowhere.
Other ways to say: Long-winded tale, pointless story
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from an old type of humorous story about a shaggy dog.
Usage: Used when a story has no real point.
15. Throw to the dogs
Meaning: To abandon or treat badly.
Example Sentence:
• He was thrown to the dogs after the mistake.
• The plan was thrown to the dogs once the boss left.
Other ways to say: Abandon, give up on
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests giving leftovers to street dogs, meaning to discard.
Usage: Used when something or someone is treated as unimportant.
16. Hair of the dog
Meaning: A small drink of alcohol to ease a hangover.
Example Sentence:
• He tried the hair of the dog after the party.
• Some people believe hair of the dog helps after too much wine.
Other ways to say: Morning drink, cure drink
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from an old idea that a cure for a dog bite was its hair.
Usage: Used for hangover remedies.
17. Dog-eared
Meaning: Worn or bent from use.
Example Sentence:
• My favorite book is dog-eared from reading it so much.
• His map is dog-eared from many road trips.
Other ways to say: Worn out, bent corners
Fun Fact/Origin: Pages bent like a dog’s floppy ear.
Usage: Used for well-used objects.
18. A barking dog never bites
Meaning: People who talk tough rarely act.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t worry—he won’t hurt you. A barking dog never bites.
• She yells a lot but won’t act—a barking dog never bites.
Other ways to say: All talk, no action
Fun Fact/Origin: Observes that dogs who bark a lot often don’t attack.
Usage: Used to calm fears about threats.
19. Hot dog
Meaning: Expression of excitement or praise.
Example Sentence:
• Hot dog! We won the game.
• Hot dog, that’s a great idea.
Other ways to say: Wow, awesome
Fun Fact/Origin: Popularized in early 1900s slang.
Usage: Used for excitement.
20. His bark is worse than his bite
Meaning: Someone sounds mean but isn’t harmful.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t be afraid—his bark is worse than his bite.
• She complains, but her bark is worse than her bite.
Other ways to say: More noise than action, not as bad as they seem
Fun Fact/Origin: From comparing a dog’s bark to its actual bite.
Usage: Used to describe harmless people who act tough.
21. Dog and bone
Meaning: Slang for a telephone (mostly British, but sometimes heard in the USA).
Example Sentence:
• He’s been on the dog and bone all afternoon.
• I’ll call you later on the dog and bone.
Other ways to say: Phone, call
Fun Fact/Origin: Rhyming slang from “dog and bone” = phone.
Usage: Used informally for a phone.
22. Underdog
Meaning: Someone expected to lose but fights hard.
Example Sentence:
• Our team was the underdog, but we won the championship.
• I love cheering for the underdog in movies.
Other ways to say: Long shot, outsider
Fun Fact/Origin: Term from dogfighting, meaning a dog on the bottom.
Usage: Used when supporting someone with low odds.
23. Lead a dog’s life
Meaning: Live in hard or unpleasant conditions.
Example Sentence:
• He led a dog’s life before finding a better job.
• Many early settlers lived a dog’s life in rough cabins.
Other ways to say: Hard life, rough living
Fun Fact/Origin: In the past, dogs were seen as having tough lives.
Usage: Used for describing poor living conditions.
24. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Meaning: It’s hard to get people to change habits.
Example Sentence:
• My grandpa won’t try texting—you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
• She won’t switch from her paper calendar—you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Other ways to say: Old habits die hard, hard to change
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares learning new skills to training older dogs.
Usage: Used when change is difficult.
25. Call off the dogs
Meaning: Stop criticizing or attacking someone.
Example Sentence:
• The teacher called off the dogs after the student apologized.
• Let’s call off the dogs—he’s already fixing the mistake.
Other ways to say: Ease up, stop attacking
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to stopping hunting dogs from chasing.
Usage: Used to ask for less pressure on someone.
26. Dog around
Meaning: Waste time or avoid work.
Example Sentence:
• Stop dogging around and finish your homework.
• He dogged around all day instead of mowing the lawn.
Other ways to say: Slack off, loaf
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests wandering around aimlessly like a stray dog.
Usage: Used when someone is lazy.
27. Like a dog with a bone
Meaning: Not willing to give up on something.
Example Sentence:
• She’s like a dog with a bone when she wants answers.
• He’s like a dog with a bone about finding that missing tool.
Other ways to say: Persistent, stubborn
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs guard bones fiercely.
Usage: Used for determined people.
28. A dog’s breakfast
Meaning: A mess or poorly done job.
Example Sentence:
• That project is a dog’s breakfast—it needs fixing.
• His room is a dog’s breakfast with clothes everywhere.
Other ways to say: Mess, disaster
Fun Fact/Origin: From the idea of a messy pile of dog food.
Usage: Used when something is untidy or badly done.
29. Like a dog chasing its tail
Meaning: Wasting time doing something pointless.
Example Sentence:
• You’re like a dog chasing its tail with that plan.
• He’s been like a dog chasing his tail all afternoon.
Other ways to say: Going in circles, wasting effort
Fun Fact/Origin: From dogs spinning in circles after their tails.
Usage: Used when actions have no progress.
30. Three dog night
Meaning: Very cold night.
Example Sentence:
• Last winter we had a three dog night.
• It’s so chilly, feels like a three dog night.
Other ways to say: Bitter cold, freezing night
Fun Fact/Origin: From old times when people slept with dogs for warmth.
Usage: Used for describing very cold weather.
31. Gone to the dogs
Meaning: Declined in quality.
Example Sentence:
• The park has gone to the dogs—trash everywhere.
• That old building has gone to the dogs.
Other ways to say: Worsened, deteriorated
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests abandonment.
Usage: Used when something gets worse.
32. Barking mad
Meaning: Completely crazy.
Example Sentence:
• Spending $500 on a toy is barking mad.
• He’s barking mad to run in this heat.
Other ways to say: Nuts, out of your mind
Fun Fact/Origin: British slang comparing craziness to barking dogs.
Usage: Used for wild or foolish behavior.
33. Dog’s dinner
Meaning: Messy or disorganized situation.
Example Sentence:
• The meeting was a dog’s dinner from start to finish.
• That essay is a real dog’s dinner—rewrite it.
Other ways to say: Total mess, confusion
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “dog’s breakfast.”
Usage: Used for disorganized situations.
34. A dog in the manger
Meaning: Someone who won’t use something but won’t let others use it.
Example Sentence:
• He’s being a dog in the manger by blocking the swings.
• Don’t be a dog in the manger—share the basketball.
Other ways to say: Selfish, hoarding
Fun Fact/Origin: From a fable about a dog who wouldn’t let cows eat hay.
Usage: Used for selfish behavior.
35. Put on the dog
Meaning: Dress or act fancy to impress.
Example Sentence:
• They put on the dog for the wedding.
• She put on the dog for the gala.
Other ways to say: Dress up, show off
Fun Fact/Origin: 19th-century American slang for showing wealth.
Usage: Used for dressing fancy.
36. Dog-paddle
Meaning: Simple swimming style.
Example Sentence:
• I can’t swim well, so I dog-paddle.
• The kids dog-paddled in the shallow pool.
Other ways to say: Paddle swim, basic swim
Fun Fact/Origin: Named after the way dogs swim.
Usage: Used for beginner swimming.
37. Lucky dog
Meaning: Someone very fortunate.
Example Sentence:
• You got front row tickets—you lucky dog!
• He’s a lucky dog to win that prize.
Other ways to say: Fortunate person, lucky one
Fun Fact/Origin: Playful term for someone with good luck.
Usage: Used to congratulate.
38. A dog’s age
Meaning: A very long time.
Example Sentence:
• I haven’t seen him in a dog’s age.
• It’s been a dog’s age since we visited the beach.
Other ways to say: Ages, forever
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on idea that dogs age faster than humans.
Usage: Used for long waits.
39. Dog-trot
Meaning: Slow, steady pace.
Example Sentence:
• We walked home at a dog-trot.
• He jogged at a dog-trot to stay warm.
Other ways to say: Easy pace, slow jog
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to a loose, easy dog gait.
Usage: Used for describing movement.
40. Dogfight
Meaning: Fierce battle or competition.
Example Sentence:
• The basketball game turned into a real dogfight.
• It’s a dogfight for the last playoff spot.
Other ways to say: Close contest, struggle
Fun Fact/Origin: From air battles in WWI.
Usage: Used for intense competition.
41. Dog-tired soldier
Meaning: Extremely worn out from hard work.
Example Sentence:
• He came home like a dog-tired soldier after work.
• I was a dog-tired soldier after moving boxes all day.
Other ways to say: Worn out, drained
Fun Fact/Origin: Combines exhaustion with imagery of a working dog.
Usage: Used for very tired people.
42. Dog collar
Meaning: Priest’s collar or literal pet collar.
Example Sentence:
• He wore a white dog collar at the ceremony.
• The new puppy needed a red dog collar.
Other ways to say: Clergy collar, pet collar
Fun Fact/Origin: Clothing item named after pet gear.
Usage: Used for neckwear.
43. Dogleg
Meaning: Sharp bend in a path or road.
Example Sentence:
• The trail takes a dogleg to the left.
• Watch the dogleg turn ahead.
Other ways to say: Sharp turn, bend
Fun Fact/Origin: From the shape of a dog’s hind leg.
Usage: Used for describing roads or golf holes.
44. Dropping like a dog
Meaning: Falling quickly from exhaustion.
Example Sentence:
• Runners were dropping like a dog in the heat.
• He dropped like a dog after the hike.
Other ways to say: Collapse, fall down
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on dogs lying down suddenly.
Usage: Used for sudden fatigue.
45. Dogged determination
Meaning: Stubborn and strong effort.
Example Sentence:
• She finished the race with dogged determination.
• His dogged determination helped him succeed.
Other ways to say: Persistent effort, never giving up
Fun Fact/Origin: “Dogged” means showing a dog-like persistence.
Usage: Used for determined behavior.
46. Dog-trot house
Meaning: A house style with an open passage through the center.
Example Sentence:
• They restored an old dog-trot house in Texas.
• The museum features a dog-trot house from the 1800s.
Other ways to say: Breezeway house, open hall home
Fun Fact/Origin: Named because the open passage let dogs trot through to cool off.
Usage: Used in architecture descriptions.
47. Doggone it
Meaning: Mild expression of frustration.
Example Sentence:
• Doggone it, I forgot my keys again.
• Doggone it, the TV stopped working.
Other ways to say: Darn it, shoot
Fun Fact/Origin: Euphemism for stronger language, popular in rural USA.
Usage: Used for mild annoyance.
48. Dogcatcher
Meaning: Person who catches stray dogs; sometimes slang for a low-level politician.
Example Sentence:
• The dogcatcher picked up the stray near the park.
• He said he wouldn’t vote for him for dogcatcher.
Other ways to say: Animal control, low-level official
Fun Fact/Origin: Literal job name turned into political slang.
Usage: Used literally or figuratively.
49. Dog-eat-dog politics
Meaning: Fierce, ruthless competition in politics.
Example Sentence:
• It’s dog-eat-dog politics during election season.
• Local races can be dog-eat-dog politics, too.
Other ways to say: Cutthroat politics, intense rivalry
Fun Fact/Origin: Builds on the “dog-eat-dog” phrase.
Usage: Used when politics get nasty.
50. Dog-piling
Meaning: Multiple people attacking or criticizing at once.
Example Sentence:
• The comments section turned into dog-piling.
• They dog-piled him after his mistake.
Other ways to say: Ganging up, piling on
Fun Fact/Origin: From the playful but heavy dog pile in sports or games.
Usage: Used for group criticism.
51. Dog in heat
Meaning: Someone eager for romance or attention.
Example Sentence:
• He’s acting like a dog in heat around her.
• Stop chasing after them like a dog in heat.
Other ways to say: Desperate, overly eager
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from dogs’ mating behavior.
Usage: Often used as an insult.
52. Dog-whistle
Meaning: A coded message meant for a specific group.
Example Sentence:
• That phrase is a political dog-whistle.
• His comment was a dog-whistle to his supporters.
Other ways to say: Hidden signal, coded language
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on real dog whistles, which only dogs can hear.
Usage: Used in politics and media.
53. Dog’s nose
Meaning: A cocktail made with gin and beer.
Example Sentence:
• He ordered a dog’s nose at the pub.
• The recipe for a dog’s nose is simple.
Other ways to say: Beer-gin mix, cocktail
Fun Fact/Origin: British drink named for its “wet nose” look.
Usage: Used in bar slang.
54. Dog collar offense
Meaning: Minor violation, not serious.
Example Sentence:
• That’s just a dog collar offense, nothing major.
• The cop said it was a dog collar offense and let him go.
Other ways to say: Small infraction, minor trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: Playful term comparing to restraining with a collar.
Usage: Used casually in law talk.
55. The big dog
Meaning: The most important person or group.
Example Sentence:
• The big dogs make the final decision.
• She’s one of the big dogs in the company.
Other ways to say: Boss, top player
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs in a pack follow the biggest or strongest.
Usage: Used for leaders.
56. On a short leash
Meaning: Being closely controlled.
Example Sentence:
• He’s on a short leash at work after that mistake.
• Parents kept her on a short leash during the trip.
Other ways to say: Closely watched, tightly controlled
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from keeping dogs close with a short leash.
Usage: Used for strict control situations.
57. Raining like a dog shake
Meaning: Heavy, messy rain.
Example Sentence:
• It’s raining like a dog shake out there.
• We got soaked—it was raining like a dog shake.
Other ways to say: Pouring, drenching rain
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares rain to water flying off a shaking dog.
Usage: Used for very wet conditions.
58. Run with the big dogs
Meaning: Compete with the best.
Example Sentence:
• If you want to run with the big dogs, you need to work hard.
• She’s running with the big dogs in her new job.
Other ways to say: Compete at a high level, play with the best
Fun Fact/Origin: Compares to dogs running in a top pack.
Usage: Used for stepping up to competition.
59. Sleeping dogs
Meaning: People or issues better left alone.
Example Sentence:
• Leave the sleeping dogs alone—it’s not worth the fight.
• He didn’t mention it, letting the sleeping dogs be.
Other ways to say: Leave it, avoid trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: Related to “let sleeping dogs lie.”
Usage: Used for avoiding conflict.
60. Dog’s body
Meaning: Worker who does boring or low-status jobs.
Example Sentence:
• He’s just the dog’s body in the office.
• She worked as a dog’s body before getting promoted.
Other ways to say: Helper, grunt worker
Fun Fact/Origin: British slang for a junior helper.
Usage: Used for low-rank roles.
61. Dog-watch
Meaning: Short work shift, often in the evening.
Example Sentence:
• He’s on the dog-watch tonight.
• The sailors swapped dog-watch duties.
Other ways to say: Short shift, evening watch
Fun Fact/Origin: Nautical term from sailing ships.
Usage: Used in maritime or shift work.
62. Dog-latin
Meaning: Fake or incorrect Latin.
Example Sentence:
• The motto was written in dog-latin.
• His speech was full of dog-latin phrases.
Other ways to say: Mock Latin, bad Latin
Fun Fact/Origin: Old term for clumsy imitation of Latin.
Usage: Used humorously.
63. Dog-robber
Meaning: Military aide or assistant.
Example Sentence:
• He worked as the general’s dog-robber.
• The dog-robber carried the officer’s bag.
Other ways to say: Military aide, assistant
Fun Fact/Origin: Military slang, not literal theft.
Usage: Used in armed forces talk.
64. Dog’s chance
Meaning: Very small chance.
Example Sentence:
• They don’t have a dog’s chance of winning.
• I had a dog’s chance of finding my lost keys.
Other ways to say: Slim chance, unlikely
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests a stray dog’s low odds in a fight.
Usage: Used for unlikely success.
65. Dog’s life (modern)
Meaning: Life of comfort (modern use, opposite of old meaning).
Example Sentence:
• That dog’s living a dog’s life with gourmet meals.
• He’s on vacation, living a dog’s life.
Other ways to say: Easy life, pampered living
Fun Fact/Origin: Modern twist from the old “hard life” meaning.
Usage: Used for comfortable lifestyles.
Quiz: Idioms About Dogs
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each question. Only one answer is correct.
Question Key
1. If someone is “barking up the wrong tree,” they are:
A) Asking the right person for help
B) Blaming the wrong person
C) Playing fetch with their dog
2. “Let sleeping dogs lie” means:
A) Wake up the dogs
B) Avoid bringing up old problems
C) Play quietly with pets
3. If you “work like a dog,” you:
A) Work very hard
B) Work only when needed
C) Refuse to work
4. “In the doghouse” means you are:
A) Living with pets
B) In trouble
C) Working at a kennel
5. A “top dog” is:
A) The tallest dog in the park
B) The leader or most important person
C) The fastest runner
6. If “the tail is wagging the dog,” it means:
A) Things are in the wrong order
B) The dog is happy
C) The pet needs training
7. Being “dog-tired” means:
A) Ready to play fetch
B) Very tired
C) Sleepy but alert
8. If something has “gone to the dogs,” it has:
A) Become much better
B) Declined in quality
C) Been given to pets
9. “Every dog has its day” means:
A) Everyone will have a chance to succeed
B) Only dogs get good days
C) Success is for the lucky few
10. A “dog-eat-dog world” is:
A) A friendly place
B) A very competitive place
C) A dog shelter
11. “Puppy love” means:
A) Love for your pet
B) Early or young romantic feelings
C) Long-lasting romance
12. “Dog-eared” means:
A) Bent or worn from use
B) Belonging to a dog
C) Brand new
13. If “his bark is worse than his bite,” he is:
A) Mean and dangerous
B) Loud but harmless
C) Quiet but scary
14. “Call off the dogs” means:
A) Stop criticizing or attacking
B) Release the dogs for hunting
C) Start chasing
15. “Like a dog with a bone” means:
A) Very hungry
B) Persistent and won’t give up
C) Easily distracted
16. A “dog’s breakfast” means:
A) A very fancy meal
B) A messy situation
C) A healthy morning
17. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” means:
A) Dogs learn slowly
B) Old habits are hard to change
C) Only puppies can learn
18. “Lucky dog” means:
A) Someone who’s very fortunate
B) A pet that found food
C) A dog winning a race
19. “On a short leash” means:
A) Being closely controlled
B) Going for a quick walk
C) Training a puppy
20. “Underdog” means:
A) The dog under the table
B) A competitor expected to lose
C) The smallest puppy
21. “Hair of the dog” refers to:
A) Dog grooming
B) Alcohol to help a hangover
C) Collecting fur
22. A “dogfight” is:
A) Two dogs playing
B) Fierce competition or battle
C) A pet show
23. “Gone to the dogs” means:
A) Improving rapidly
B) Declining or falling apart
C) Moving to a farm
24. “Put on the dog” means:
A) Dress up to impress
B) Put a coat on your pet
C) Wear a dog costume
25. “A dog in the manger” means:
A) Someone who doesn’t use something but won’t let others
B) A guard dog
C) A farm dog
26. “Run with the big dogs” means:
A) Compete with the best
B) Exercise with pets
C) Walk large breeds
27. “Dog-piling” means:
A) Laying in a group for warmth
B) Many people attacking or criticizing at once
C) Cleaning up after pets
28. “Dog-whistle” means:
A) A high-pitched sound for dogs
B) A hidden message for a specific group
C) A coach’s whistle
29. “The big dog” means:
A) Largest animal in a shelter
B) Most important person
C) Oldest pet
30. “Dog’s chance” means:
A) Very small chance
B) Equal chance
C) High chance
Answer Key
- B) Blaming the wrong person
- B) Avoid bringing up old problems
- A) Work very hard
- B) In trouble
- B) The leader or most important person
- A) Things are in the wrong order
- B) Very tired
- B) Declined in quality
- A) Everyone will have a chance to succeed
- B) A very competitive place
- B) Early or young romantic feelings
- A) Bent or worn from use
- B) Loud but harmless
- A) Stop criticizing or attacking
- B) Persistent and won’t give up
- B) A messy situation
- B) Old habits are hard to change
- A) Someone who’s very fortunate
- A) Being closely controlled
- B) A competitor expected to lose
- B) Alcohol to help a hangover
- B) Fierce competition or battle
- B) Declining or falling apart
- A) Dress up to impress
- A) Someone who doesn’t use something but won’t let others
- A) Compete with the best
- B) Many people attacking or criticizing at once
- B) A hidden message for a specific group
- B) Most important person
- A) Very small chance
Wrapping Up
Dogs have inspired many sayings in the USA that make speech colorful and fun. These idioms often compare people’s actions or feelings to things dogs do. Learning them helps you understand conversations better and speak in a more natural way.
Some of these expressions are friendly, while others are about tough situations. Knowing when and how to use them can make your language more interesting. From “barking up the wrong tree” to “top dog,” each one adds personality to your words.
Understanding dog idioms is not just about language—it’s about connecting with people in a way that feels familiar and relatable, just like a loyal dog by your side.
