dog and cat: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘dog and cat’ mean?
The idiom "dog and cat" refers to a relationship or situation characterized by constant conflict or hostility, like cats and dogs are often portrayed to be. It emphasizes the idea of two entities or individuals that are fundamentally different and cannot get along peacefully.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "oil and water" describes two things or people that do not mix well or cannot coexist harmoniously due to fundamental differences or incompatible qualities.
The idiom "lead a cat-and-dog life" means to have a chaotic or constantly quarrelsome existence.
The idiom "joined at the hip" refers to two people who are extremely close or inseparable, often doing everything together. It emphasizes the strong bond and reliance between the individuals.
The idiom "it takes two to make a quarrel" means that both parties involved are equally responsible for a dispute or argument.
The idiom "go together" means that two or more things are harmoniously compatible or commonly associated with each other.
The idiom "get along" means to have a harmonious relationship or to manage without problems. It refers to the ability to coexist or work well together.
The idiom "fall out" means to have a quarrel or disagreement with someone. It refers to a situation where two individuals no longer get along or have a conflict that causes distance or hostility between them.
The idiom "dog that caught the car" refers to someone who has achieved a goal but is uncertain about what to do next or ill-prepared to handle the situation. It emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed or unprepared for the consequences of one's actions.
The idiom "dog's life" refers to a difficult and unpleasant existence, often characterized by hardship, struggle, or mistreatment.
The idiom "dog's chance" refers to having very little or no possibility of success or survival in a given situation.
Fierce Rivals
The idiom "dog and cat" is often used to describe two things or people that are constantly in conflict or are very different from each other. It can be traced back to the 16th century and has been widely used in literature and everyday speech since then.
The idiom is often used to describe the relationship between two individuals or groups that have opposing or conflicting characteristics. It implies that the individuals or groups are constantly at odds with each other, like dogs and cats who are known to have a natural enmity towards one another.
One related idiom is "cat and dog life." This idiom describes a life filled with constant conflict or turmoil. It is often used to describe a situation or relationship where there is no harmony or peace. The phrase paints a vivid picture of a life filled with bickering and disagreements, much like the relationship between a cat and a dog.
Another related idiom is "lead a cat-and-dog life." This idiom is used to describe a life characterized by constant arguments or fights. It suggests a life filled with tension and animosity, where peace and harmony are hard to find. This phrase further emphasizes the idea of conflict and discord between two entities, much like the relationship between a cat and a dog.
The idiom "dog my cats" is another related phrase. It is a colorful expression used to show surprise or astonishment. The exact origin of this phrase is unclear, but it is often used as an exclamation to express disbelief or shock. The phrase adds to the variety of ways in which the relationship between a dog and a cat is used in idiomatic expressions.
The idiom "dog and cat" has become deeply ingrained in the English language and is used figuratively rather than literally. It is a simple and effective way to convey the concept of conflict or contrast between two entities. The idiom is widely understood by English speakers and can be found in various contexts, including literature, journalism, and everyday conversations.
Overall, the idiom "dog and cat" is a well-known expression that describes conflicting or contrasting entities. Its usage can be traced back to the 16th century, and it has since become a popular and widely understood idiom in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "dog and cat" can be used in a sentence:
- Whenever they are in the same room, they fight like dog and cat.
- My sister and I get along like dog and cat, always arguing and never agreeing on anything.
- The two political parties are like dog and cat, constantly at odds with each other.
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