PhrasesHub

Bark is worse than their bite

    Definitions

      • to describe someone or something as appearing more threatening or dangerous than they actually are
        Often used to reassure someone that there is no real danger or harm to be feared from a seemingly intimidating person or situation.

      • to criticize or dismiss someone or something for being all talk and no action
        Can be used to express frustration with someone who talks a lot, but doesn't follow through with their promises or threats.

      • to suggest that a person or group may be all show and no substance
        Can be used to imply that someone puts on a tough or aggressive front, but lacks the ability or willingness to back it up.

    Examples of Bark is worse than their bite

    • The neighbor's dog barks ferociously every time someone walks by, but in reality, it's harmless and won't attack anyone.

      The phrase "Bark is worse than their bite" means that something seems more dangerous or intimidating than it actually is. In this case, the dog's bark is more intimidating than its bite, as it appears to be aggressive, but in reality, it's not a threat.

    • The boss can be quite intimidating during meetings, but once you get to know him, he's really a pushover.

      This example uses the idiom in a different context. Here, it means that someone may appear to be more powerful or threatening than they really are. The boss may come across as intimidating during meetings, but once you get to know him, you'll realize that he's actually quite easy to please.

    • The new product has received a lot of negative feedback, but we're hoping that the actual results will be better than the initial reactions.

      This example uses the idiom to mean that something may receive a lot of criticism or negative feedback, but it may not be as bad as it seems. The new product may have received a lot of negative feedback, but we're hoping that the actual results will be better than the initial reactions.

    • The political candidate made a lot of promises during the campaign, but we're skeptical about whether they can actually deliver on them.

      This example uses the idiom to mean that someone may make grand promises or claims, but it may not be realistic or achievable. The political candidate made a lot of promises during the campaign, but we're skeptical about whether they can actually deliver on them.

    • The restaurant's menu looks delicious, but the actual food was a disappointment.

      This example uses the idiom to mean that something may appear to be good or promising, but it may not live up to expectations. The restaurant's menu looked delicious, but the actual food was a disappointment.


    Conclusion

    In summary, the idiom "bark is worse than their bite" is used in various contexts to describe something or someone as appearing more intimidating or threatening than they actually are. It can be used to reassure someone that there is no real danger, criticize someone for being all talk, or suggest that someone may lack substance behind their tough exterior.

    Origin of "Bark is worse than their bite"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 17th century, when dogs were commonly used to protect homes and property. It was believed that a dog's bark was a warning sign of potential danger, but their actual bite was what posed a real threat. This phrase was first recorded in a book of English proverbs in 1670, and has since become a commonly used expression in the English language.

    The metaphorical use of this phrase in reference to humans or situations can also be attributed to the idea that appearances can be deceiving. Just as a dog's bark may seem fierce but their bite may not be as harmful, people or situations may also seem intimidating but ultimately turn out to be harmless. The idiom has evolved over time to encompass the idea of someone or something being all talk and no action, reinforcing the notion that actions speak louder than words.