What does the phrase every dog knows mean? - briefly
The phrase "every dog knows" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is widely known or obvious. It suggests that even the most ordinary or common individual is aware of the information being discussed.
The origin of this phrase is rooted in the idea that dogs, being common and ubiquitous animals, would be familiar with basic, everyday knowledge. This expression is often used to emphasize the simplicity or common sense of a particular fact or idea.
What does the phrase every dog knows mean? - in detail
The phrase "every dog knows" is an idiomatic expression that conveys a sense of common knowledge or widespread awareness. It suggests that a particular piece of information is so well-known or obvious that even a dog, an animal not typically associated with intellectual prowess, would be aware of it. This phrase is often used to emphasize the ubiquity or simplicity of a fact, implying that it should be evident to virtually everyone.
The origin of this phrase is rooted in the idea that dogs, despite their limited cognitive abilities compared to humans, possess a basic understanding of their environment and the behaviors of those around them. By extending this notion to human knowledge, the phrase underscores the idea that certain truths are so fundamental that they are practically innate. For example, if someone were to say, "Every dog knows that the sun rises in the east," they are asserting that this fact is so universally recognized that it requires no explanation.
The use of "every dog knows" can also carry a slightly dismissive tone, indicating that the information being discussed is so elementary that it should not require discussion or debate. This can be seen in statements like, "Every dog knows that honesty is the best policy," where the speaker is implying that the value of honesty is so widely accepted that it should be self-evident.
In summary, "every dog knows" is a phrase that highlights the widespread recognition of certain facts or truths. It serves to emphasize the simplicity and universality of the information being discussed, often with the implication that the topic should be beyond dispute. The phrase leverages the common perception of dogs as simple, instinctual creatures to underscore the idea that some knowledge is so basic that it is almost instinctual for humans as well.