Explore 20 Pet Expressions in English

These expressions are used to describe behaviors, actions, and situations involving pets and how we relate to them in everyday language.

Pet Expressions

  1. Let sleeping dogs lie
    Meaning: Avoid stirring up trouble.
    Example: Don’t bring up old issues, let sleeping dogs lie.
  2. Cat got your tongue?
    Meaning: Unable to speak.
    Example: Why so quiet? Cat got your tongue?
  3. Fight like cats and dogs
    Meaning: Argue or fight fiercely.
    Example: My siblings always fight like cats and dogs.
  4. Like a dog with two tails
    Meaning: Extremely happy and excited.
    Example: He was like a dog with two tails after winning.
  5. Dog in the manger
    Meaning: Preventing others from enjoying something.
    Example: He’s being a dog in the manger about the car.
  6. Let the cat out of the bag
    Meaning: Reveal a secret.
    Example: Lisa let the cat out of the bag.
  7. Curiosity killed the cat
    Meaning: Curiosity can lead to trouble.
    Example: Don’t pry; curiosity killed the cat.
  8. Raining cats and dogs
    Meaning: Raining heavily.
    Example: It’s raining cats and dogs outside!
  9. Dog-tired
    Meaning: Extremely tired.
    Example: After work, she was dog-tired.
  10. The cat’s meow
    Meaning: Something highly regarded.
    Example: His new gadget is the cat’s meow!
  11. The cat’s pajamas
    Meaning: Something highly admirable.
    Example: Your new shoes are the cat’s pajamas.
  12. Like herding cats
    Meaning: Managing chaotic situations.
    Example: Organizing kids for photos is like herding cats.
  13. Put the cat among the pigeons
    Meaning: Cause trouble or controversy.
    Example: Her comment put the cat among the pigeons.
  14. Top dog
    Meaning: Person in a dominant position.
    Example: As CEO, she’s the top dog.
  15. Every dog has its day
    Meaning: Everyone gets their moment of success.
    Example: Keep trying, every dog has its day.
  16. 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.
  17. Barking up the wrong tree
    Meaning: Making a false assumption.
    Example: You’re barking up the wrong tree by blaming him.
  18. Like a fish out of water
    Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.
    Example: She felt like a fish out of water at the party.
  19. Lead a dog’s life
    Meaning: Live a life full of hardships.
    Example: He leads a dog’s life, working long hours.
  20. Dog-eat-dog world
    Meaning: Ruthlessly competitive environment.
    Example: It’s a dog-eat-dog world in business.

Pet Expressions