Have you ever wondered why we say “working like a dog” (instead of working like a horse, for instance?) or where the silly saying “It’s raining cats and dogs” comes from?
Here are a few theories on the origins of some of the most popular sayings pertaining to man’s best friend, including one that doesn’t actually have anything to do with dogs at all.
#1 – Hot under the collar
Although this saying sounds like it may be related to dogs, after all, dogs wear collars, it’s actually referring to the collar on a shirt. When we get mad, our blood pressure rises, making us feel warm around the head and neck, hence the expression.
#2 – It’s raining cats and dogs
According to the video below, it is thought that this saying comes from the days of thatched cottages, where cats and dogs could (and would) fall through the ceilings into people’s homes. Some believe this means it may have come from Ireland, were thatched cottages were very prevalent.
#3 – Dog tired
We all know this means extremely tired, but why? It is believed to be an old English idiom, derived from a tale about Alfred the Great. It is said he would release his hunting hounds for his sons to chase. Whomever caught the most hounds had the right to sit on Alfred’s right hand side at dinner. This game left the boys “dog tired.” (www.idoms.in)
#4 – Throwing a bone (throw me a bone)
The Urban Dictionary says this saying is related to “sucking-up” or attention-seeking – if you throw the person a “bone” (some attention, a few words, etc), they will stop bugging you. Just like you may throw a bone to a begging dog to get him to stop pestering you.
#5 – It’s dog-eat-dog world
This unpleasant saying means “cruel” or “highly competitive,” according to The Free Dictionary. It’s believed to have been around since the 1930s, and comes from the idea that if two dogs are starving, one will eat the other to survive. It may also have come from watching stray or wild dogs fight over food.
