What does the idiom every dog knows how mean? - briefly
The idiom "every dog knows how" is a humorous and somewhat archaic expression that suggests something is widely known or obvious. It implies that even a simple or ordinary individual, symbolized by a dog, is aware of the information or skill in question.
The phrase is often used to emphasize the simplicity or common knowledge of a particular task or fact. For example, if someone were to say, "Every dog knows how to tie a shoe," they would be indicating that tying a shoe is a basic skill that nearly everyone possesses. The idiom can also be used to express mild exasperation when someone does not know something that is considered widely known.
What does the idiom every dog knows how mean? - in detail
The idiom "every dog knows how" is a phrase that conveys a sense of widespread knowledge or common understanding. It suggests that a particular piece of information or skill is so well-known or straightforward that even someone with minimal experience or intelligence would be aware of it. This idiom is often used to emphasize the simplicity or obviousness of a task or concept.
To delve deeper, the phrase "every dog knows how" can be broken down into its constituent parts. "Every dog" is a metaphorical expression that refers to a broad, general audience or any ordinary individual. "Knows how" implies familiarity with a method, process, or technique. When combined, the idiom indicates that the subject in question is so basic or well-known that it requires no special expertise to understand or execute.
The idiom can be applied in various situations to highlight the simplicity of a task. For example, if someone is struggling with a basic procedure, another person might say, "Come on, every dog knows how to do that," implying that the task is so elementary that it should be within the grasp of almost anyone. This phrase can also be used to express surprise or disbelief when someone fails to perform a simple action, suggesting that the failure is inexplicable given the widespread knowledge of the task.
In some cases, the idiom might be used to convey a sense of frustration or exasperation. For instance, if a person is repeatedly making the same mistake, another individual might exclaim, "Every dog knows how to do it correctly," emphasizing that the error is avoidable and should not be occurring. This usage underscores the idea that the correct method is so well-known that repeated mistakes are inexcusable.
Moreover, the idiom can be employed to challenge someone's competence or intelligence. If a person is struggling with a task that is generally considered simple, another individual might remark, "Even every dog knows how to do that," implying that the person's difficulty with the task is surprising or disappointing. This usage can be seen as a gentle or not-so-gentle reminder of the task's simplicity and the expectation that it should be within the person's capabilities.
In summary, "every dog knows how" is an idiom that underscores the simplicity or obviousness of a task or concept. It suggests that the subject in question is so well-known or straightforward that it should be within the grasp of almost anyone. This phrase can be used to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief, and it can also be employed to challenge someone's competence or intelligence. Understanding this idiom involves recognizing its metaphorical use of "every dog" to refer to a broad, general audience and its implication of widespread knowledge or common understanding.