How to say "cat and dog" in English? - briefly
To express the phrase "кат и собака" (meaning both cat and dog) in English, you would simply say "cat and dog". This directly translates the Russian idiom into English without any additional context or nuance.
How to say "cat and dog" in English? - in detail
To accurately convey the phrase "cat and dog" in English, it is essential to understand its meaning and usage in different contexts. The expression typically refers to two animals that are known for their distinct behaviors and characteristics.
In everyday conversation, when someone mentions "cat and dog," they might simply be referring to these common household pets. For example:
- "I have a cat and a dog at home."
- "The children love playing with the cat and the dog."
However, the phrase "cat and dog" also has idiomatic uses in English that convey specific meanings beyond just the animals themselves. One of the most common idioms is "fight like cat and dog," which describes a situation where two people or entities are engaged in constant conflict or argumentation. For instance:
- "Those two brothers always fight like cat and dog."
- "The political rivals have been at each other's throats, fighting like cat and dog over the new policy."
In this idiomatic sense, the phrase emphasizes the intensity and persistent nature of disagreements or disputes. It is important to note that while the literal meaning of "cat and dog" refers to the animals themselves, the idiomatic usage does not directly involve them but rather uses their behavior as a metaphor for human conflict.
In summary, when translating or using the phrase "cat and dog" in English, consider whether you are referring to the animals themselves or employing an idiomatic expression. Understanding these nuances will help you communicate effectively in various contexts.