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Processed with VS1Understand dog-based idioms without treating them as facts about animals, age, or people.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis March 2019 episode collects dog-related idioms for competition, hard work, fatigue, success, and a person who seems threatening but may not act on it. “Dog-eat-dog” describes fierce competition; “work like a dog” suggests intense effort; and “his bark is worse than his bite” describes someone whose words sound harsher than their actions. These are figurative expressions, not reliable descriptions of dogs or personality.
Cultural note: “Work like a dog” can glorify overwork, and “dog-eat-dog” can make harsh competition sound inevitable. The proverb about not teaching an old dog new tricks is age-stereotyping and is intentionally not taught as a lesson here; people can learn at any age.
Keep exploringDog idioms can describe a tiring day, a competitive workplace, or a person’s behavior. Their emotional tone often says as much as the literal image.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe a competitive environment without implying that cruelty is unavoidable.
Meaning
A highly competitive environment where people struggle against one another for limited opportunities.
Tone & use
Often critical. It describes a perception of competition, not a rule that people must treat each other badly.
Example
“The new sales team felt like a dog-eat-dog world, so the director introduced shared targets and peer support.”
Talk about working hard and feeling tired without praising burnout.
Meaning
Work extremely hard, often for a long time.
Tone & use
Informal and emphatic. It can praise effort, but may also normalize excessive work; state the hours or workload directly when needed.
Example
“They worked like dogs to prepare the community festival, then made sure everyone had a day off.”
Meaning
Extremely tired.
Tone & use
Informal and emphatic; for medical or workplace safety situations, describe the actual level of fatigue plainly.
Example
“After carrying boxes up three flights of stairs, I was dog-tired.”
Describe a good period of success or a person who seems tougher than they are.
Meaning
Everyone may have a period of success or recognition at some point.
Tone & use
Encouraging, but it can sound dismissive if someone is describing a serious barrier or loss.
Example
“She kept entering local art shows; when her work was selected for the gallery, her friends said every dog has its day.”
Meaning
Someone sounds more threatening or angry than their actions usually are.
Tone & use
Informal. Do not use it to dismiss a credible threat or safety concern; consider actions and context.
Example
“The coach sounded stern, but his bark was worse than his bite—he listened carefully when the players raised concerns.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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