put on the dog: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘put on the dog’ mean?
The idiom "put on the dog" means to dress or act in an extremely fancy or extravagant manner, often to show off or impress others.
Idiom Explorer
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Idiom: put the feedbag on
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The idiom "put on the dog" is a phrase of American origin that means to dress or behave in an extravagant or showy manner.
The phrase is thought to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century in the United States. While its exact etymology is uncertain, there are a few theories regarding its origin. One theory suggests that the idiom was derived from the practice of wealthy individuals dressing their dogs in elaborate clothing and accessories to showcase their wealth and status. Another theory speculates that the phrase may have come from dog shows, where participants would groom and adorn their dogs to appear fancier than others.
Regardless of its origin, "put on the dog" is a common expression to describe someone intentionally trying to present themselves in a more sophisticated or refined manner. It can refer to individuals who go to great lengths to create an extravagant appearance or a false sense of luxury or wealth. It can also refer to situations where excessive effort is made to create an impressive display or atmosphere.
This idiom is commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations among friends or colleagues.
"put on airs" is another idiom related to "put on the dog". It means to behave in a pretentious or superior manner, as if one has more importance or influence than they actually do. It is often used to describe individuals who excessively flaunt their accomplishments or possessions to impress others.
Furthermore, "put on the dog" can be employed to describe events, parties, or gatherings that are deliberately extravagant or ostentatious. In such contexts, the idiom suggests that the organizers have spared no expense in creating a lavish and impressive affair, often for the purpose of impressing attendees or creating an air of elegance.
The phrase "put on the ritz" is closely related to "put on the dog". It means to act in a showy or extravagant manner, often by putting on an elaborate display of wealth or luxury. It is believed to have originated from the Ritz hotels, known for their elegance and luxury, where individuals would go to great lengths to present themselves in a sophisticated and refined manner.
"put on the dog" is an American expression that means to dress or behave in an extravagant manner. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century. The idiom is commonly used in informal conversations and can describe individuals or events that go to great lengths to create an impressive appearance or atmosphere. "Put on airs" and "put on the ritz" are related idioms that describe similar behaviors of pretentiousness and showiness. Despite the mystery surrounding its origins, "put on the dog" remains a widely recognized phrase in American English.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "put on the dog" can be used in a sentence:
- She always puts on the dog when hosting dinner parties by using fancy china and serving gourmet appetizers.
- He decided to put on the dog for his job interview by wearing an expensive suit and hiring a professional stylist.
- The hotel pulled out all the stops to put on the dog for their VIP guests, providing top-notch service and luxurious amenities.
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