ESL Lesson on Idioms Using the Word “Dog”
Idioms are expressions that have a figurative meaning separate from the literal meaning of the words they contain. The word “dog” frequently appears in English idioms, reflecting the significant role that dogs play in many cultures, especially as companions and symbols of various traits. In this section, we’ll explore idioms involving the word “dog,” uncovering the fascinating stories and meanings behind these popular expressions. Understanding these will not only enhance your vocabulary but also give you deeper insight into the nuances of English spoken by native speakers.
Check out the Reading passage at the end of this page for additional practice.
Practice Quiz on Idioms Using the Word “Dog”
To test your understanding of idioms featuring the word “dog,” we have prepared a short quiz. Each question will present an idiom and ask you to associate with one of the available answers. This will not only help in reinforcing what you’ve learned but also in applying these idioms in practical scenarios. Get ready to challenge yourself and see how well you’ve grasped the figurative language of English!
Can you guess the meanings of the following idioms using the word dog? (Possible Answers are below. Each possible answer has only one question associated with it). There is an answer key under the FAQ’s below).
Questions
1. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
2. To be as sick as a dog
3. Every dog has its day!
4. To be top dog
5. To go to the dogs
6. To live a dog’s life
7. To work like a dog
8. To be dog-eat-dog
9. To be in the doghouse
10. His bark is worse than his bite
11. To bark up the wrong tree
12. Let sleeping dogs lie
13. To argue like cat and dog
14. To rain cats and dogs
Possible Answers
a. the worst life
b. to be in line for trouble
c. to be looking the wrong placed.
d. a person used to doing things one way likely won’t change.
e. to rain extremely hard
f. work extremely hard
g. to not back up threatening comments with action
h. really sick
i. to deteriorate, to get worse
k. some problems are best not investigated
l. a hyper competitive environment
m. to be in total disagreement
n. even a person with ill luck will be lucky one day
o. to be the leader / decision maker
Frequently Asked Questions About Idioms Using the Word “Dog”
The phrase “dog-eat-dog” describes an intensely competitive or ruthless situation. It suggests that, in such an environment, people will do anything to succeed, even if it means harming others, much like dogs might fiercely compete for food.
If someone is “barking up the wrong tree,” they are pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action. This idiom originates from hunting dogs that mistakenly bark at the base of a tree where no game is present.
“Let sleeping dogs lie” is an admonition to avoid restarting a conflict or bringing up an old issue. It advises that it is better to leave things as they are instead of potentially causing more problems by disturbing a situation.
To “work like a dog” means to work very hard. Traditionally, dogs have been known for their hard work and loyalty, particularly in roles like herding, hunting, or guarding, which require significant effort and dedication.
“Every dog has its day” is an optimistic expression meaning that everyone will have their moment of glory or success at some point in their lives. It encourages patience and maintaining hope, as good fortune can come to anyone eventually.
Answer Key:
- d
- h
- n
- o
- i
- a
- f
- l
- b
- g
- c
- k
- m
- e
Vocabulary
- flu virus- influenza virus, thing that causes you to become sick
- immune system- your body’s system that keeps you well
- glory- praise, honor
- keep one’s eye on- continue to watch
Sick as a Dog
Susan: Oh Shannon, you look as sick as a dog. What’s the matter?
Shannon: I feel terrible. I think I might have caught that flu virus that has been going around. I’ve been working like a dog and had a lot of stress lately. Maybe that’s lowered my immune system.
Susan: I know you told me about that argument you had with your coworker. You shouldn’t worry so much about being top dog. Let him have some glory, too.
Shannon: I know. I don’t know why I get so upset about everything. And there’s another thing. If I get into any more fights with anyone in the office, I’m going to be in the doghouse. My boss is already keeping his eye on me.