PhrasesHub

Dog days

    Definitions

      • hot and humid weather
        Refers to the hottest, most oppressive days of summer, typically in late July or August, when the extreme heat and humidity can make people feel sluggish and lethargic.

      • a period of inactivity or slowness
        Can also refer to a time of lull or inactivity in any situation, not just related to weather. For example, "The stock market is in its dog days" or "The office is in its dog days before the holiday break."

      • a difficult or trying time
        Can also be used to describe a challenging or difficult period, often associated with personal struggles or hardships. For example, "She's been going through her dog days since her husband passed away."

    Examples of Dog days

    • It's been so hot lately, I feel like I'm living through the dog days again.

      The dog days refer to the hottest, most humid part of summer. This idiom comes from the ancient belief that during this time, Sirius, the Dog Star, rose along with the sun, making the days even hotter. Today, we use this expression to describe any extremely hot and humid period.

    • Summer vacation seems to last forever during the dog days.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a long and seemingly endless period of time. In this case, it's the long, hot summer days that seem to stretch on forever.

    • The office was unbearably stuffy during the dog days.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a situation that is uncomfortable or unpleasant due to the heat. In this case, the stuffiness of the office is exacerbated by the hot, humid weather.

    • I don't want to do anything during the dog days, it's just too hot.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a period of time when one is particularly lazy or unproductive due to the heat. In this case, the speaker is so uncomfortable in the heat that they don't want to do anything at all.

    • The dog days are a great time to stay indoors and relax.

      This example uses the idiom to describe a situation where one can enjoy the benefits of the heat, such as staying indoors and avoiding the heat altogether. It's a positive spin on the idiom, as it encourages people to enjoy the slower pace of life during the hottest part of summer.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "dog days" is commonly used to describe the hottest and most oppressive days of summer, but can also refer to a period of inactivity or slowness, as well as a difficult or trying time. The underlying theme in all of these meanings is a sense of lethargy and struggle, whether it be due to the intense heat or other challenges one may face.

    Origin of "Dog days"

    The origin of the idiom "dog days" can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, where it was believed that the star Sirius, also known as the "Dog Star," was responsible for the extreme heat and humidity during the summer months. This belief was based on the fact that Sirius rose and set with the sun during this time, leading to the hottest days of the year.

    Over time, this belief evolved and the term "dog days" became associated with the hottest and most oppressive days of summer. It was also believed that during this time, dogs were more lethargic and less active due to the intense heat, further solidifying the association between the idiom and the summer months.

    Today, the idiom is still commonly used and has expanded to include a wider range of meanings, as mentioned above. However, its origins in ancient civilizations and the belief in the power of the Dog Star still hold a significant place in the history of this idiom.