Dogs Idioms: Common Idioms about Dogs with Examples and Definitions
Dog-and-Pony Show
Definition:
A flashy presentation, often in a marketing context
For example:
The salesman gave us a real dog-and-pony show, but I’m still not sure what the product will cost.
Dog-Eat-Dog
Definition:
Intensely competitive
For example:
Real estate sales is a dog-eat-dog world. It’s not for everyone.
Dog in the Manger
Definition:
A person who prevents others from using something, even though the person himself or herself does not want it
For example:
Bobby is being a dog in the manger—he won’t let the other kids play with his ball, even though he never uses it.
My Dogs Are Barking
Definition:
My feet hurt.
For example:
My car broke down, and I had to walk all the way home from the mall. I’m OK, but my dogs are barking!
Puppy Dog Eyes
Definition:
A begging look
For example:
I try to be strict with my daughter, but when she looks at me with those puppy dog eyes, I buy her candy.
Rain Cats And Dogs
Definition:
Rain heavily
For example:
It’s been raining cats and dogs all day. I’m afraid the roof is going to leak.
Go See a Man About a Dog
Definition:
Go to the bathroom (said as a euphemism)
For example:
I’ll be right back—I’ve got to go see a man about a dog.
(The) Tail That Wags the Dog
Definition:
A small part of something that controls the whole thing
For example:
Darlene is the company president, but if you look closely you’ll see it’s really her assistant making the decisions. It’s a case of the tail wagging the dog.
Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Definition:
To change someone’s long-established habits. Usually used in the negative: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
For example:
We tried to explain social media to our grandfather, but it’s no use—you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Definition:
To avoid stirring up a problem; to leave things alone
For example:
Alice and Maria have argued over office space in the past. It’s best to let sleeping dogs like and leave them where they are.
