15 different proverbs, idioms and sayings about cats and/or dogs are discussed in this essay, such as "It is raining cats and dogs". These expressions are examined in chronological order, starting with those which emerged in the Middle English Period and ending with those which have their origins in the Modern English Period. In addition to a short overview of different linguistic periods, each phrase is discussed in detail. For each expression, details like their first appearance in literature, origin stories and their meaning(s) are presented.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Expressions Recorded in the Middle English Period (1100-1450)
2.1. To bell the cat
2.2. Let sleeping dogs lie
2.3. A living dog is better than a dead lion
3 Expressions Recorded in the Early Modern English Period (1450-1750)
3.1. Love me, love my dog
3.2. Dog does not eat dog
3.3. A cat has nine lives
3.4. A cat may look at a king
3.5. Dog days
3.6. Dogs of war
3.7. It is raining cats and dogs
3.8. Like a cat on hot bricks
3.9. Give a dog a bad name and hang him
4. Expressions Recorded in the Modern English Period (1750-1950)
4.1. To let the cat out of the bag
4.2. The hair of the dog that bit you
4.3. To grin like a Cheshire cat
5. Conclusion
Works Cited
- Quote paper
- Silvia Schilling (Author), 2018, An Analysis of English Expressions Concerning Cats and Dogs, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/520593
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