dog

This idiom is used to convey that everyone will experience a period of success or good fortune at some point in their lives.

• He has had bad luck for the past few years, but he believes that every dog has its day.

To decline in quality or condition; to deteriorate significantly from a previous, better state.

• Since the new management took over, the company has been going to the dogs.

This idiom suggests that it is exceptionally difficult to teach new skills or change established habits in someone, particularly if they are older.

• I tried to teach my grandfather how to use a smartphone, but he just couldn't get the hang of it. You can't teach an old dog new tricks, I guess.

To advise against interfering in a situation that is currently causing no problems, as doing so could lead to trouble.

• Their past conflict has settled, it's best to let sleeping dogs lie.

This idiom is used to question why someone would do something themselves when they are already paying someone else to do it.

• You've hired a cleaning company, so why are you still sweeping the floor yourself? It's like, why keep a dog and bark yourself?

To behave in a way that is intended to impress others by showing off wealth or importance, often in a pretentious or exaggerated manner.

• He always wears expensive clothes and drives a luxury car just to put on the dog.

This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone's past misdeeds result in a negative reputation that is difficult to overcome, leading others to anticipate future bad behavior.

• The media keeps highlighting his past mistakes; it’s like giving a dog a bad name, making it difficult for him to rebuild his image in the public eye.

Describes a person who selfishly prevents others from using something they do not need or want themselves.

• He never reads those books but, like a dog in the manger, won't let anyone else touch them.

This idiom is used to convey that everyone will experience a period of success or good fortune at some point in their life.

• Don't be discouraged; every dog has its day.

Something or someone that appears extremely messy or untidy, or a task or situation that has been handled very poorly.

• He made a dog's breakfast of his room.

An impolite expression referring to something or someone considered to be exceptionally good or of the highest quality.

• This new car is the dog's bollocks; it's absolutely fantastic.

A very unhappy and unpleasant existence, often characterized by hardship and mistreatment.

• Working long hours in the factory, he led a dog's life.

Wearing clothes that are excessively formal, fancy, or decorated in a way that draws attention.

• She was done up like a dog's dinner for the party, looking like an over-dressed peacock.

This idiom describes a situation where a person's past negative behavior or reputation makes it difficult for them to be viewed differently, as people tend to expect them to continue behaving badly.

• He got a bad name from the mistakes he made when he was young, and now it's very difficult for him to find a job; it's really a case of 'give a dog a bad name'.

To advise against revisiting a past issue or situation that is better left undisturbed to avoid potential trouble.

• Regarding that old case, we had better not investigate it further; let sleeping dogs lie.

This idiom is used to question why someone is doing something themselves when they are already paying someone else to do it.

• You paid for a gardener, but you're mowing the lawn yourself; why keep a dog and bark yourself?

This idiom is used to express that it is very difficult to teach someone new skills or change their established habits or character, especially when they are older.

• I tried to teach my father how to use a smartphone, but he couldn't get the hang of it. You can't teach an old dog new tricks, I guess.