The truth about cat and dog idioms: Part 1

Posted by Megan Lillick on Aug 12, 2016

Well, the cat’s out of the bag with this week’s blog as we reveal the etymology behind a few of our favorite furry phrases. Yup, we’re disclosing the full truth behind all those cat and dog idioms of the English language. Because there are more than one can count on a single paw, this is part one of a two part series. So be sure to stay tuned for the next one.

Cat’s out of the bag

Used in a sentence: Now that the cat’s out of the bag about Zack and Kelly’s relationship, they’ve been holding hands in public.
Etymology: There are few theories out there on this idiom’s origin. One actually involves a pig, and refers to an idiom from the 16th century, “When a pig is offered, open the poke.” Meaning when purchasing a pig at a market back in the day, the buyer should open the bag or ‘poke’ to verify their piglet purchase. It was best to have this sneak peak, as opposed to travel all the way home with a wiggly bag to find out your seller was dishonest, selling a feral cat instead.
The true meaning: A secret has been exposed.

Every dog has its day

Used in a sentence: It’s unfortunate you didn’t get the promotion this time around, but not to worry, every dog has its day.
Etymology: This saying is over 450 years old, having become popular from Shakespeare’s Hamlet in 1603, “Let Hercules himself do what he may. The cat will mew and dog will have his day.”Nevertheless, the phrase took on several other variations much prior. In fact, the saying is reported as being first coined by Queen Elizabeth I when she states in a letter to her brother responding to his request to have a picture of her, “Notwithstanding, as a dog hath a day, so may I perchance have time to declare it in deeds.”
The true meaning: Everyone will get their chance at power, influence, or success some point in their life.

Cat and mouse

Used in a sentence: In order to close the sale, he had to play a bit of cat and mouse.
Etymology: A cat often toys around with a mouse before taking it’s little squirmy life.
The true meaning: The exchange between the pursuer and one being pursued.

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

Used in a sentence (or two): I bought my grandpa the new iPhone 6, but he refuses to use it. Guess it’s true that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Etymology: The concept of it being tougher to teach an older dog has been around since the early 16th century. The earliest print citation comes from John Fitzherbert's Book of Husbandry in 1534. Here Fitzherbert explains how it's difficult to get an old dog to 'stoop', which in this sense of the word 'stoop' refers to a dog putting its nose to the ground to find a scent.
The true meaning: Older folks don’t learn as quick or as well as their younger counterparts.

Look what the cat dragged in

Used in a sentence: (First for some backstory: Susie’s been away for awhile. When she finally returns home, she brings her new disheveled boyfriend to meet the parents.) Mom says, “Oh sweetie, look what the cat dragged in!”
Etymology: Domestic cats often bring home the remains of dead animals to their owners. Basically to say, “Look what I caught for you. Aren’t you proud of me?”
The true meaning: This phrase is most often used in a sarcastic manner as an ironic acknowledgement of someone's arrival. Sometimes it’s used to imply that they are unwelcome

It’s raining cats and dogs

Used in a sentence (or two): What strange weather! It was sunny, now suddenly it’s raining cats and dogs.
Etymology: There are a variety of mythical and literal explanations for why people use this to specify a downpour. One interesting origin story dates back to the Norse god of storms, Odin. He was often depicted with dogs and wolves, which were symbols for wind. During this time black cats accompanied witches on their brooms as they navigated through storms, becoming signs of heavy rain for sailors. Hence the phrase “raining cats and dogs” refers to a storm with wind (dogs) and hard rain (cats).
The true meaning: It’s raining hard. 

The dog days of summer

Used in a sentence: I’m sweating profusely. It must be the dog days of summer.
Etymology: The most humid, hottest days of summer were called "diēs caniculārēs" or dog days by the ancient Romans. They associated the hottest days of summer with the star Sirius, also known as as the “Dog Star." And due to its extreme brightness, they presumed Sirius radiated extra heat toward Earth during the months July and August of summer.
The true meaning: It’s exceptionally hot.

Be a cool cat, and check back with us for part two of the "truth about cat and dog idioms" series to learn even more furry English catch phrases. Or better yet, learn from a native English speaking host family from one of the many homestays across the globe on Abroadwith.

And be sure to let us know in the comment section below, if there are any particular pet idioms you want to know more about.