The Village Idiom

lead a cat-and-dog life

The idiom "lead a cat-and-dog life" means to have a chaotic or constantly quarrelsome existence.

Filed under L

In a sentence

  • Ever since they got married, they have been leading a cat-and-dog life, constantly arguing and fighting over trivial matters.
  • John's parents often have loud disagreements, and as a result, he has grown up leading a cat-and-dog life in his household.
  • The two neighboring dogs always bark and growl at each other, leading a cat-and-dog life every time they cross paths.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "lead a cat-and-dog life" is used to describe a tumultuous and conflict-ridden existence. It suggests a life filled with constant arguments, discord, and strife. The phrase can be used to describe various situations, such as tumultuous relationships, frequent arguments, or a chaotic and unbalanced lifestyle.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.