Illustrated Dog Sayings
The dog is our closest relative, apart from relatives of course. Even then he may be closer because he is always there by your side, faithful and all that good dog stuff.
This page is dedicated to those expressions which relate to dogs which we use without necessarily thinking about where they come from.
This page is dedicated to those expressions which relate to dogs which we use without necessarily thinking about where they come from.
A Dog is Man's Best Friend
A statement of fact for a male dog owner. That bond between man and dog is a special one. He will not criticize or complain. A warm welcome whenever you return and an eagerness for the walk.
It is enough to sit quietly together and share life as it ticks inexorably on.
Together you form a pack. It is you and he facing the world together. This is me and this is my best friend... my dog.
It is enough to sit quietly together and share life as it ticks inexorably on.
Together you form a pack. It is you and he facing the world together. This is me and this is my best friend... my dog.
A Dog's Dinner
A mess up. Typically used when someone has "Made a dog's dinner" out of something.
My dogs are a bit messy but when they have finished eating the bowl is clean.
My dogs are a bit messy but when they have finished eating the bowl is clean.
Dog-eared
A page in a book that has the corner turned down is said to be dog-eared. It looks a bit like a dog's ear is the idea.
The expression can apply to other things that are a little worn.
The expression can apply to other things that are a little worn.
Dogged Determination
A dog has a single track mind when it is set on something. It does not deviate or get distracted. If it needs to dig a hole - it digs it. If it needs to chew up the sofa - it chews it.
That is how dogs work. Determined and dogged. Think how pleased his owner will be when he finds what a great hole the good dog has dug.
We can learn from the expression and from watching how dogs get stuck into a task with real purpose. Don't think about it - just dig it!
That is how dogs work. Determined and dogged. Think how pleased his owner will be when he finds what a great hole the good dog has dug.
We can learn from the expression and from watching how dogs get stuck into a task with real purpose. Don't think about it - just dig it!
Don't Keep a Dog and Bark Yourself
This applies to any task where something or someone else should be doing it.
It is an insulting way to refer to junior colleagues. Senior management may laughingly use it to describe a boring and demeaning task that is only fit for a dog - or office junior.
Sometimes an older dog will let the younger ones do the barking. That is when the expression seems the most appropriate.
It is an insulting way to refer to junior colleagues. Senior management may laughingly use it to describe a boring and demeaning task that is only fit for a dog - or office junior.
Sometimes an older dog will let the younger ones do the barking. That is when the expression seems the most appropriate.
Dog Someone's Footsteps
This means to follow them very closely. A dog will follow its owner doggedly anywhere he goes. So someone dogging your footsteps is keeping close to you.
Every Dog Has Its Day
This expression comes from a time when the dog was just a working animal, the bottom of the pack. Not the pampered pooches that we cherish as much-loved family members.
Even the dog, the lowest of the low, would have at least one day that was special.
It means that any of us should be able to look forward to when it is our turn to "have our day".
Still waiting.
Even the dog, the lowest of the low, would have at least one day that was special.
It means that any of us should be able to look forward to when it is our turn to "have our day".
Still waiting.
I Don't Have A Dog In This Fight
This expression is popular at the moment. At least I have heard it more than once recently.
What it means is the person saying it has no interest in the subject being raised. "What do you think about so-and-so" the reporter will ask and the interviewee will respond with the "No dog in this fight" expression.
It is not a very pleasant saying or idea if you are a dog lover because it is not nice to think of dogs fighting.
What it means is the person saying it has no interest in the subject being raised. "What do you think about so-and-so" the reporter will ask and the interviewee will respond with the "No dog in this fight" expression.
It is not a very pleasant saying or idea if you are a dog lover because it is not nice to think of dogs fighting.
It Is a Dog's Life
But sadly it is not a cartoonist's one. I have a lot of work ahead of me. Enjoyable work drawing my favourite animal but work all the same.
I will be thinking about dog expressions while I am out walking mine. And hopefully he will provide me with some more ideas.
Thanks for your visit - I am as pleased as a dog with two bones. Although I am not sure that is even a real expression.
I will be thinking about dog expressions while I am out walking mine. And hopefully he will provide me with some more ideas.
Thanks for your visit - I am as pleased as a dog with two bones. Although I am not sure that is even a real expression.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
As well as being a saying - meaning to leave things undisturbed - this expression is strongly grounded in common sense.
Dogs sleep very well. Along with all of us they do not like to be disturbed. They also have teeth.
A dog that is asleep may forget the rule about not biting humans if suddenly woken. That is why it is best to leave them alone.
As for the expression. Don't mess with stuff that does not need messing with. It makes a lot of sense.
Dogs sleep very well. Along with all of us they do not like to be disturbed. They also have teeth.
A dog that is asleep may forget the rule about not biting humans if suddenly woken. That is why it is best to leave them alone.
As for the expression. Don't mess with stuff that does not need messing with. It makes a lot of sense.
A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
This is a very literal expression. A wolf can be an intelligent, fierce and scary animal. A sheep is fluffy, gentle and stupid.
The wolf might be clever enough to disguise itself as a sheep in order to get close enough to eat you.
Another way to put this is to beware of politicians.
The wolf might be clever enough to disguise itself as a sheep in order to get close enough to eat you.
Another way to put this is to beware of politicians.
You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
Less a proverb and more a statement. I can't see what we are supposed to learn from it apart from some animal husbandry skills. Don't bother with the old dog they could say.
Now I am on his side. For starters he doesn't have to learn any tricks at his age. It is respect he should be getting. But in any case let's not write off the elderly quite so quickly. Many of them are playing with mobile phones and iPads. Not dogs admittedly.
Look. The old dog may not be ready to sit up and beg. He knows exactly how to get a biscuit anyway by looking sad or being affectionate. So let's cut him some slack.
Now I am on his side. For starters he doesn't have to learn any tricks at his age. It is respect he should be getting. But in any case let's not write off the elderly quite so quickly. Many of them are playing with mobile phones and iPads. Not dogs admittedly.
Look. The old dog may not be ready to sit up and beg. He knows exactly how to get a biscuit anyway by looking sad or being affectionate. So let's cut him some slack.
Dog End
Thanks for reading these dog expressions.
The combination of dogs and words is pretty much a perfect combination for me.
The combination of dogs and words is pretty much a perfect combination for me.