These expressions are used to describe behaviors, actions, and situations involving pets and how we relate to them in everyday language.
Pet Expressions
- Let sleeping dogs lie
Meaning: Avoid stirring up trouble.
Example: Don’t bring up old issues, let sleeping dogs lie. - Cat got your tongue?
Meaning: Unable to speak.
Example: Why so quiet? Cat got your tongue? - Fight like cats and dogs
Meaning: Argue or fight fiercely.
Example: My siblings always fight like cats and dogs. - Like a dog with two tails
Meaning: Extremely happy and excited.
Example: He was like a dog with two tails after winning. - Dog in the manger
Meaning: Preventing others from enjoying something.
Example: He’s being a dog in the manger about the car. - Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: Reveal a secret.
Example: Lisa let the cat out of the bag. - Curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: Curiosity can lead to trouble.
Example: Don’t pry; curiosity killed the cat. - Raining cats and dogs
Meaning: Raining heavily.
Example: It’s raining cats and dogs outside! - Dog-tired
Meaning: Extremely tired.
Example: After work, she was dog-tired. - The cat’s meow
Meaning: Something highly regarded.
Example: His new gadget is the cat’s meow! - The cat’s pajamas
Meaning: Something highly admirable.
Example: Your new shoes are the cat’s pajamas. - Like herding cats
Meaning: Managing chaotic situations.
Example: Organizing kids for photos is like herding cats. - Put the cat among the pigeons
Meaning: Cause trouble or controversy.
Example: Her comment put the cat among the pigeons. - Top dog
Meaning: Person in a dominant position.
Example: As CEO, she’s the top dog. - Every dog has its day
Meaning: Everyone gets their moment of success.
Example: Keep trying, every dog has its day. - Cat on a hot tin roof
Meaning: Very nervous or restless.
Example: He was like a cat on a hot tin roof before the exam. - Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning: Making a false assumption.
Example: You’re barking up the wrong tree by blaming him. - Like a fish out of water
Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.
Example: She felt like a fish out of water at the party. - Lead a dog’s life
Meaning: Live a life full of hardships.
Example: He leads a dog’s life, working long hours. - Dog-eat-dog world
Meaning: Ruthlessly competitive environment.
Example: It’s a dog-eat-dog world in business.
