PhrasesHub

Sick puppy (A)

    Definitions

      • someone who is mentally unstable or disturbed
        Describing someone as mentally unwell or disturbed in a derogatory manner

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

    Examples of Sick puppy (A)

    • She's been going through a tough time lately. She lost her job, her car broke down, and her cat died. She's feeling pretty low, like a sick puppy.

      "Sick puppy" is an idiom, meaning someone who is feeling miserable, depressed, and helpless, like a puppy that is sick or dying. "She's feeling pretty low, like a sick puppy" is an example of how the idiom can be used in a sentence. It's a simple metaphor, comparing the person's emotional state to that of a sick puppy.

    • This new product just launched by the company is quite disappointing. It's not exactly user-friendly, and there have been several glitches reported by customers. It's left me feeling like a sick puppy, as it's not meeting my expectations.

      In this example, the idiom "sick puppy" is being used to describe the feeling of disappointment and frustration that the new product has left the speaker with. It's a way of describing the emotional state, similar to a puppy that is sick or dying, because the outcome is not favorable.

    • The team has been working on this project for months now, but we've hit a snag. The client's requirements have changed, and we're struggling to keep up. We're feeling pretty down, like sick puppies, as we're not sure how to proceed from here.

      In this example, the team is experiencing some setbacks with their project, and they're feeling pretty discouraged, like sick puppies who are not able to recover from their illness. It's a way of expressing their feelings of frustration and confusion.

    • The school district has been facing a lot of budget cuts in recent years, which has left them in a tough spot. They're having to cut back on resources, and teachers are feeling the brunt of it. Many are feeling like sick puppies, as they're struggling to provide their students with the resources they need.

      In this example, the teachers are feeling the emotional impact of the budget cuts, which has left them feeling helpless and discouraged, much like a sick puppy that is unable to recover from its illness. The idiom is being used to describe the emotional state of the teachers, who are struggling to provide their students with the necessary resources.

    • She's been feeling like a sick puppy all day.

      This idiom is being used to describe someone who is feeling extremely unwell, just like a sick puppy would be listless, lethargic, and lacking in energy.

    • After a long and stressful week, I've turned into a real sick puppy.

      Here, the idiom is being used metaphorically to describe someone who has become exhausted both physically and mentally, just like a sick puppy would be weak and lackluster.

    • My little puppy has been really sick and just can't seem to shake it off.

      In this example, the idiom is being used to describe a literal sick puppy which needs medical attention. The expression emphasizes the puppy's obvious discomfort and poor health.

    • He's been acting like a sick puppy ever since he heard the news.

      Here, the idiom is being used metaphorically to describe someone who is behaving in a negative and pessimistic manner, much like a sick puppy would lack enthusiasm and motivation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "sick puppy" can be used to refer to someone who is mentally unstable or disturbed, or to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task.

    Origin of "Sick puppy (A)"

    The origin of the idiom "sick puppy" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in American English in the mid-20th century. The term "sick" is commonly used to describe someone who is mentally disturbed or unwell, while "puppy" is often used to refer to a young and naive person. When combined, the idiom "sick puppy" conveys the idea of someone who is mentally unstable or disturbed.

    One possible origin of the idiom is that it may have originated as a derogatory term used to describe someone who is mentally unwell, similar to calling them a "sick dog." Over time, the phrase may have evolved to include the word "puppy" to emphasize the idea of youth and naivety, further emphasizing the mental instability of the person being described.

    Overall, the idiom "sick puppy" likely originated as a derogatory term to describe someone who is mentally disturbed, and it has since been used to discourage certain actions or tasks.