PhrasesHub

Strain at the leash

    Definitions

      • show eagerness or impatience
        Express a strong desire to start or proceed with something, often with the implication of being held back or restrained

      • struggle against control
        Resist being held back or restrained, often in a metaphorical sense, such as breaking free from limitations or restrictions

    Examples of Strain at the leash

    • The dogs were straining at the leash, eagerly pulling against the restraints, desperate to be set free to run and explore.

      "Strain at the leash" is a figure of speech that describes a situation in which someone or something is eagerly waiting and ready to take action as soon as the opportunity arises. In this example, the dogs are literally "straining at the leash," which means they are putting pressure on the leash, trying to pull it tight, as they eagerly anticipate being released to run and play. This idiom is often used to describe people who are excitedly anticipating the opportunity to do something, such as start a new project or embark on a new adventure. The expression "strain at the leash" suggests a strong desire or impulse that is being held back by external circumstances or constraints. The image of a leash and an eager dog is a powerful one, and it effectively communicates the idea of pent-up energy and restlessness that often accompanies a strong desire to act.

    • Max, our golden retriever, has been straining at the leash during our morning walks lately. He seems especially eager to explore the neighborhood and is pulling hard on the leash, almost dragging me along.

      The expression "strain at the leash" means to be eagerly waiting for or wanting something to happen, often impatiently. In this case, Max is so eager to go out and explore that he is pulling on the leash with all his might, almost causing discomfort or strain on our arms. It's as if he's on the verge of breaking free from the leash and exploring the neighborhood at his own pace.

    • The dog whined and tugged on its leash, eagerly straining at the leash to explore the woods beyond.

      This example uses the idiom "strain at the leash" in a literal sense to describe a dog's desire to be unleashed and run freely. The phrase "strain at the leash" means to be eagerly and impatiently waiting to be unleashed or released from a restraint, just like the dog's eager pull on its leash.

    • After months of hard work and preparation, the athlete was finally ready to compete, but nerves and excitement left her straining at the leash before the race began.

      In this example, "strain at the leash" is used figuratively to describe the athlete's intense anticipation and eagerness before the race. Here, the idiom refers to feeling an intense desire or need to begin, just like the dog's eager pull on the leash before it's released.

    • The company's CEO was eager to expand the business and take on new challenges, but she knew she had to be patient and wait for the right opportunities, as she didn't want to strain at the leash and make rash decisions.

      This example uses "strain at the leash" metaphorically to describe the desire to move quickly and make decisions, but the need to restrain oneself to avoid making hasty or impulsive actions. The idiom "strain at the leash" in this sense suggests a sense of restraint or discipline, rather than the release of the leash.

    • The politician's promises left her constituents straining at the leash, eagerly waiting for her to follow through on her campaign pledges.

      In this example, "strain at the leash" is used figuratively to describe the enthusiasm and eagerness of the politician's constituents, as they eagerly anticipate her keeping her campaign promises. Here, the idiom "strain at the leash" refers to the intensity of the expectation, just like the dog's eager pull on the leash to be released.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "strain at the leash" can be used to convey a sense of eagerness or impatience to start or proceed with something, as well as the idea of struggling against control or breaking free from limitations.

    Origin of "Strain at the leash"

    The origin of "strain at the leash" can be traced back to the literal act of a dog pulling on its leash in an effort to move forward. This behavior is a sign of eagerness and impatience to move ahead, which has been figuratively applied to human actions and emotions. The idiom is often used in a metaphorical sense to convey the idea of being restrained or held back from pursuing a desired course of action. The image of a dog straining at its leash has become a powerful and evocative metaphor for showing eagerness and impatience, as well as resistance to control or limitations. Overall, the idiom "strain at the leash" has evolved from its literal origins to become a widely recognized expression of impatience and the desire for freedom.