My top 10 dog proverbs
Dogs have been providing us with companionship, love, and loyalty for centuries. They have been such an important part of our lives and we have come to know their characteristics so well that they have become a rich source of inspiration for all sorts of proverbs and sayings. In this article, I take a break from drawing dogs to pick out some of my favourites, so read on to enjoy a walk through the wonderful world of cyanine sayings and expressions!
1) Every dog must have his day.
This expression optimistically asserts that everyone will have their moment to shine or their chance to be successful. It implies that even those who are often overlooked or underestimated will eventually get their opportunity to be recognised.
While this alliteration can sound positive, it actually has a darker side. One of the earliest known written uses was in the 1500’s by Queen Elizabeth I (before she was Queen) but it was William Shakespeare who popularised this English idiom in his play Hamlet. In Act V, Scene 1, just after uttering the famous line “Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him...” Hamlet says to Queen Gertrude and King Claudius “Let Hercules himself do what he may, The cat will mew and dog will have his day.” By this he meant that he would one day have the opportunity to right the wrongs committed against himself or Ophelia.
It’s possible that an early version of this proverb that ominously states “even a dog gets his revenge” can be seen in the work of the first century Greek biographer Plutarch.
That sense aside, however, I like this saying because of it’s positive message of hope and encouragement.
2) It’s a dog’s life
This phrase is usually used to describe a very unhappy and unpleasant life. It must have come into being when dogs did not have such good lives, perhaps when they worked a lot and slept outside. Nowadays most dogs enjoy a rather pampered existence with lots of food and walks and praise.
I always think what a good life my cat has. It’s basically one long holiday. Sitting in the sun, then wandering down to his own personal restaurant for breakfast, lunch and tea.
3) You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
This common proverb says that it is difficult to teach or change the habits of someone who is set in their ways. The phrase implies that as people get older, they become less adaptable and more resistant to change. It is often associated with the idea that it is easier to teach new skills or habits to someone who is young and open-minded, rather than someone who is older and more set in their ways.
Presumably it came about because it was literally true, i.e. people found that older dogs were less receptive to training and less able to learn new skills than younger dogs. Research has shown that this is not entirely accurate though. Older dogs can indeed learn new skills and behaviours, although it may take more time and effort than with younger dogs. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, older dogs can still be trained and can develop new habits and abilities.
It is helpful to keep another saying in mind, therefore, which says “you are never too old to learn something new.” In fact the brain is like a muscle in that it gets better with use. Whatever age you are, it’s never too late to learn a new skill. If you have always wanted to paint, or draw, then why not give it a go? There are so many helpful teaching and training resources available online these days. I’m hoping to make some coloured pencil tutorials available next year so look out for those.
4) Like a dog with a bone
This common expression refers to someone who is persistent and tenacious in their pursuit of something, and will not give up easily. The phrase implies that, just as a dog will not let go of a bone once it has it in its mouth, a person who is “like a dog with a bone” will not give up on a task or goal until they achieve it.
It is often used to describe someone who is determined to accomplish something, despite facing obstacles or difficulties along the way. It can also be used to describe someone who is fixated on a particular idea or topic and will not let it go, even if others are not interested.
I really want to make my pet portrait business work. The first year is almost up, and it has had its fair share of ups and downs. I’m not going to let go of my goal, though, and I’m determined to keep going until it is a success.
5) Don’t let the tail wag the dog
This expression is a warning not to allow a minor or secondary issue to control or dominate a more important one. The phrase implies that the tail, which is a smaller and less significant part of the dog’s body, should not have more influence or control than the dog itself.
The phrase is often used to advise someone not to let a small or insignificant detail overshadow a larger issue or objective. It can also be used to describe a situation where a lesser issue is given undue importance or attention, at the expense of a more important one.
I started my pet portrait business because I love drawing animals. There are lots of other things that need to be done to make the business work, but they must remain secondary. I never want to lose the enjoyment of creating beautiful artwork of people’s pets.
6) His bark is worse than his bite
This expression means that someone’s behaviour or attitude appears to be more aggressive or threatening than it really is. The phrase implies that while someone may talk or act tough, they are not actually dangerous or harmful.
It can be used to describe a person who talks loudly or aggressively, but who is not actually physically or emotionally dangerous.
7) Why keep a dog and bark yourself?
This rhetorical question points out the folly of doing something yourself when you have someone else who can do it for you.
It is often used to encourage people to delegate tasks to others who are better suited to do them. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is needlessly taking on a task or responsibility that could be done by someone else.
8) A dog’s dinner
This colourful and evocative phrase captures the idea that something has been done or made in a haphazard, messy, or chaotic way. The phrase implies that the end result is unappealing, disorganized, or poorly executed, much like a meal that a dog might eat.
The phrase is often used to describe a situation where something has gone wrong or has not turned out as expected. It can also be used to describe a person's appearance or behaviour, suggesting that they look unkempt or dishevelled. Conversely, it can refer to someone who is over dressed for an occasion in an ostentatiously smart manner.
9) Let sleeping dogs lie
This phrase means to avoid stirring up trouble or a conflict that is not currently active. It is often used as advice to someone who is considering taking action against someone or something that has wronged them in the past. The idea is that it is better to leave things alone and not risk making things worse.
There are many reasons why someone might choose to let sleeping dogs lie. Sometimes, it is because they believe that it is the best way to move on with their lives. They may feel that dwelling on the past will only make them unhappy. Other times, people may choose to let sleeping dogs lie because they are afraid of what might happen if they stir things up. They may be afraid of retaliation, or they may simply be afraid of making things worse.
Of course, there are also times when it is important to not let sleeping dogs lie.
10) It’s raining cats and dogs
You probably already know that this strange expression is used to describe a very heavy downpour of rain, but I was interested to explore it’s origin. Here are some possibilities for where it comes from:
i) The sound of the raindrops hitting the ground, which can sound like cats and dogs fighting.
ii) The Greek expression “cata doxa,” which means “contrary to experience or belief.” If it is raining cats and dogs, it is more than our normal experience of rain, i.e. unbelievably hard.
iii) A perversion of the old English word “catadupe,” which meant a waterfall.
iv) Dead animals washed out of drainage systems on the top of houses during heavy downpours.
Conclusion
Having written about those 10 doggie sayings, lots more come to mind so I will probably need to write a second part to this article at some stage. Hopefully, though, you have found these ones interesting. If you have, why not take a look at my top 10 dog quotes or my top 10 cat proverbs. I’m now going to go back to enjoying drawing some more of my clients’ cyanine companions. Here is one I completed recently (you can see him being packaged up here):
