What does the phrase "eat a dog" mean? - briefly
The phrase "eat a dog" is an idiomatic expression that means to be so hungry or desperate that one would consider eating something they normally wouldn't, such as a dog. It is used to emphasize extreme hunger or desperation.
What does the phrase "eat a dog" mean? - in detail
The phrase "eat a dog" is an idiomatic expression that is often used to convey the idea of being extremely hungry or desperate for food. This colloquialism has its roots in the notion that someone would be so famished that they would even consider consuming something as unconventional and culturally taboo as a dog, which is not typically eaten in many cultures. The expression underscores the severity of hunger and emphasizes the desperation that can accompany it. It serves as a vivid metaphor to describe an intense level of hunger that transcends normal limits.