What does the idiom every dog knows or like a beaten dog mean? - briefly
The idiom "every dog knows" is used to express that something is widely known or obvious to everyone. It implies that even someone with minimal understanding or experience would be aware of the information.
The phrase "like a beaten dog" describes someone who is timid, submissive, or has lost their confidence, often due to repeated mistreatment or hardship. This idiom is used to depict a person who has been so frequently defeated or humiliated that they have adopted a passive and fearful demeanor.
What does the idiom every dog knows or like a beaten dog mean? - in detail
The idiom "every dog knows" is a colloquial expression that conveys a sense of widespread awareness or common knowledge. It suggests that a particular piece of information or understanding is so obvious or well-known that even a dog, an animal not typically associated with intelligence or awareness, would be familiar with it. This phrase is often used to emphasize the simplicity or obviousness of a fact, implying that it should be evident to anyone. For example, if someone were to say, "Every dog knows that the sun rises in the east," they are indicating that this is a basic, universally recognized fact.
On the other hand, the idiom "like a beaten dog" refers to a state of extreme submission, fear, or defeat. A "beaten dog" is one that has been subjected to repeated mistreatment or abuse, leading it to adopt a submissive and fearful demeanor. This idiom is used to describe a person who has been so thoroughly defeated or demoralized that they exhibit a lack of confidence, assertiveness, or resistance. For instance, someone might say, "After years of criticism, he walks around like a beaten dog, always expecting the worst." This phrase highlights the psychological impact of prolonged negative experiences, resulting in a person who is hesitant, timid, and lacking in self-assurance.
Both idioms draw on the behavior and characteristics of dogs to illustrate human experiences and perceptions. "Every dog knows" underscores the universality of certain knowledge, while "like a beaten dog" emphasizes the effects of prolonged mistreatment and defeat on an individual's behavior and self-esteem. Understanding these idioms requires recognizing the metaphorical use of canine behavior to describe human conditions and reactions.