A dog's life
Meaning
A life full of hardship, toil, and often poor treatment.
Origin
The phrase "a dog's life" vividly captures the historical perception of dogs as mere working animals, often enduring harsh conditions, meager food, and little comfort. For centuries, dogs were not the pampered companions many are today; they were beasts of burden, guards, or hunters, expected to labor tirelessly without complaint. This stark reality, where a dog's existence was defined by struggle and subservience, cemented the phrase into the English language as a potent metaphor for a life filled with toil and lacking in joy or dignity.
Examples
- After working long hours with little pay, he felt like he was living a dog's life.
- She complained that constantly cleaning up after her children and husband made her life feel like a dog's life.