Is hungry as a dog an idiom or not? - briefly
The phrase "hungry as a dog" is indeed an idiom. It is used to describe someone who is extremely hungry, often in a humorous or exaggerated manner.
Is hungry as a dog an idiom or not? - in detail
The phrase "hungry as a dog" is indeed an idiomatic expression in English. Idioms are figures of speech that have a meaning different from their literal definition, and they are often culturally specific. In this case, the idiom does not imply that dogs are particularly known for being hungry; rather, it uses the image of a dog's voracious appetite to emphasize the intensity or degree of hunger someone is experiencing.
Idioms like "hungry as a dog" serve several purposes in language. They add color and vividness to speech, making communication more engaging and memorable. They can also convey complex emotions or states efficiently, using a short phrase that immediately conveys a specific idea to native speakers. In this idiom, the comparison to a dog's appetite allows speakers to quickly and effectively communicate a strong sense of hunger without needing to describe it in detail.
The use of animals in idioms is common in many languages. Animals often serve as metaphors for various human qualities or behaviors. For example, "eat like a bird" suggests eating very little, while "work like a dog" implies working extremely hard. These expressions are deeply rooted in cultural perceptions and stereotypes about animals, which can vary across different languages and cultures.
In summary, "hungry as a dog" is an idiomatic expression that uses the image of a dog's appetite to describe a state of intense hunger. It is a part of the rich tapestry of English idioms that add nuance and color to our language.