Is "to freeze like a dog" an idiom? - briefly
No, "to freeze like a dog" is not a recognized idiom in English. It does not have a fixed meaning or widespread usage that would qualify it as such.
Is "to freeze like a dog" an idiom? - in detail
The expression "to freeze like a dog" is not commonly recognized as an idiom in standard English language references such as dictionaries or idiom collections. An idiom is a phrase or a fixed expression that has a figurative, or sometimes literal, meaning different from what the individual words convey. Idioms are deeply rooted in specific cultures and languages, often originating from historical events, customs, or folklore.
In this case, "to freeze like a dog" does not hold a widely accepted idiomatic meaning. The phrase is more likely to be interpreted literally, suggesting that someone is experiencing extreme cold to the point of immobility or discomfort, similar to how dogs might react in very low temperatures. This interpretation is based on the physical reaction of freezing rather than any cultural or figurative significance.
However, language is dynamic and evolving, with new phrases and meanings continually emerging. It's possible that in certain regions or subcultures, "to freeze like a dog" may have developed a specific connotation or become an idiomatic expression. But without broader acceptance or documentation in standard linguistic resources, it cannot be considered a universally recognized idiom.
To conclude, while the phrase "to freeze like a dog" can be understood literally, it does not hold the status of an established idiom in the English language as defined by conventional usage and reference materials.