Dogs have been human companions for thousands of years, and their loyalty, intelligence, and friendly nature have earned them a special place in our hearts and language. English, like many languages, is rich with proverbs that feature dogs, reflecting their character and the lessons we’ve learned from them over the years. Here are 50 English proverbs about dogs that are as wise as they are witty.
1. A dog in the manger
This proverb is used to describe someone who is too stingy or selfish to enjoy what they have, even though they are in a position to do so.
Example: “John was always griping about the small salary he was getting, but he wouldn’t even consider a raise because he thought it wasn’t enough for someone with his experience.”
2. A lucky dog
This phrase is used to describe someone who has been extremely lucky or fortunate.
Example: “Samantha won the lottery and everyone said she was a lucky dog.”
3. A watchdog
Refers to someone or something that keeps a close watch, especially to detect or prevent trouble.
Example: “The security cameras around the building act as a watchdog against theft.”
4. A tail between the legs
This idiom describes someone who is very afraid or humiliated.
Example: “The student who forgot to study for the exam came into class with a tail between his legs.”
5. A wolf in sheep’s clothing
Used to describe someone who appears friendly and harmless but is actually deceitful or harmful.
Example: “He seemed like a nice guy at first, but I soon realized he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
6. Bark up the wrong tree
This proverb means to pursue the wrong course or to make a mistake in judgment.
Example: “I spent hours looking for my keys in the kitchen when they were actually in my pocket the whole time. I had barked up the wrong tree.”
7. Barking up the wrong tree
See above.
8. Bring to heel
To make someone or something submit or follow rules and discipline.
Example: “The teacher tried to bring the class to heel by enforcing stricter rules.”
9. Curious as a cat
Used to describe someone who is very curious about their surroundings.
Example: “Little Timmy was as curious as a cat about the new neighborhood.”
10. Dog-eared
Something that has been used frequently, usually a book, and shows signs of wear.
Example: “Her copy of the dictionary was dog-eared from years of use.”
11. Dog days
The hottest days of summer, traditionally considered a time when dogs and other animals become tired and irritable.
Example: “During the dog days of summer, it was too hot to go outside.”
12. Dogged
Persistent or determined in a way that can be annoying or troublesome.
Example: “She was dogged in her pursuit of the job, and eventually, she got it.”
13. Every dog has its day
Everyone eventually gets their chance to succeed or be recognized.
Example: “Don’t worry, your day will come. Every dog has its day.”
14. Get up on the wrong side of the bed
To be in a bad mood or to feel irritable for no apparent reason.
Example: “John got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning and was grumpy all day.”
15. Give a dog a bad name and hang him
To unfairly defame or criticize someone, leading to their reputation being destroyed.
Example: “The accusations against her were false, but they gave her a bad name and hung her out to dry.”
16. He who laughs last laughs longest
The person who ends up being successful or the one who gets the last laugh in an argument or competition will ultimately be the one who wins.
Example: “I didn’t think you’d win the race, but you proved me wrong. He who laughs last laughs longest.”
17. Hide one’s light under a bushel
To be humble and not show off one’s abilities or achievements.
Example: “She’s so talented, but she always hides her light under a bushel.”
18. Let sleeping dogs lie
It’s better not to disturb something that is currently peaceful or successful, even if it is likely to cause trouble later.
Example: “I know you’re upset, but let sleeping dogs lie. We can talk about it when things are calmer.”
19. Make a killing
To make a large amount of money, usually from a single investment or business venture.
Example: “He made a killing in the real estate market.”
20. No dog will bark at a lion
People do not challenge someone who is powerful or feared.
Example: “Even the most confident person would think twice before arguing with the CEO. No dog will bark at a lion.”
21. Not give a dog’s dinner
To treat someone or something as unimportant or to be indifferent to their needs or feelings.
Example: “I think she’s upset with me because I didn’t give her the attention she deserves. I guess I didn’t give her a dog’s dinner.”
22. On the ball
To be alert, active, and ready to act quickly.
Example: “Our team is on the ball and we’re ready to tackle any challenge that comes our way.”
23. Put on the dog
To dress up or to act in a way that is intended to impress or to show off.
Example: “He put on the dog when he went to the party, wearing a fancy suit and trying to act like a VIP.”
24. Read like a book
To be easy to understand and obvious.
Example: “The directions were so clear and easy to follow; it was like reading like a book.”
25. Run with the hounds
To do something that is dangerous or illegal.
Example: “I know it’s risky, but if we run with the hounds, we might get rich quick.”
26. Save your breath
To advise someone not to argue with someone who is not going to listen or who is unlikely to change their mind.
Example: “Don’t waste your breath arguing with him; he’s not going to change his mind.”
27. Speak of the devil
Used when someone who has just been mentioned arrives or is seen.
Example: “I just mentioned her name, and now here she is. Speak of the devil!”
28. Still as a statue
To be completely still or motionless.
Example: “She was still as a statue, watching the birds in the garden.”
29. Tail between the legs
See number 4.
30. The early bird catches the worm
To be the first to do something often results in a better outcome or reward.
Example: “He was the first one to arrive at the interview, and the early bird caught the worm when he got the job.”
31. To bite the hand that feeds you
To be ungrateful or to harm someone who has helped you.
Example: “She’s always complaining about her job, but she never realizes she’s biting the hand that feeds her.”
32. To be a hot dog
To be extremely enthusiastic or to be very good at something.
Example: “She’s a hot dog at playing the piano.”
33. To have a bone to pick with someone
To have a serious complaint or argument with someone.
Example: “I have a bone to pick with him about the way he treated me.”
34. To have a dog in the manger
See number 1.
35. To keep a dog in the manger
To act like someone who is too stingy or selfish to enjoy what they have.
Example: “He’s so obsessed with being the best that he won’t even celebrate his own successes. He keeps a dog in the manger.”
36. To let sleeping dogs lie
See number 18.
37. To make a killing
See number 20.
38. To read like a book
See number 24.
39. To run with the hounds
See number 25.
40. To save your breath
See number 26.
41. To speak of the devil
See number 27.
42. To still as a statue
See number 28.
43. To take the bull by the horns
To tackle a difficult situation or problem head-on without hesitation.
Example: “She took the bull by the horns and confronted her boss about the poor working conditions.”
44. To wash one’s hands of something
To have no further concern or interest in a situation.
Example: “He washed his hands of the project when it became too difficult.”
45. Under the dog
To be very tired or exhausted.
Example: “I’m so tired, I feel like I’m under the dog.”
46. Up in the air
Something that is uncertain or not yet decided.
Example: “The decision about whether to move to the new house is still up in the air.”
47. Wait for the cat to come home
To wait for a long time, especially for someone to return.
Example: “I waited for the cat to come home for hours, but she never showed up.”
48. Walk on a tightrope
To do something that is dangerous, difficult, or risky.
Example: “He’s walking on a tightrope with his new job, trying to balance work and personal life.”
49. Work like a dog
To work very hard.
Example: “She works like a dog, always trying to do her best.”
50. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
It’s difficult or impossible to change someone’s habits or way of thinking, especially if they are older or set in their ways.
Example: “I tried to teach him how to use a computer, but he’s too old to learn new tricks.”
These proverbs offer a glimpse into the deep connection between humans and dogs, and they continue to be a source of wisdom and humor in the English language.