Key Vocabulary
| 习语 | 英文释义 | 中文释义 |
|---|---|---|
| you can’t teach an old dog new tricks | it’s difficult to teach someone new things if they’re used to doing things a certain way | 老狗学不了新把戏；人老习惯难改 |
| dog-eat-dog | a competitive situation where people will do anything to be successful, even at the expense of others | 你死我活的竞争；残酷竞争 |
| every dog has its day | everyone will have a chance at being happy or successful at some point | 凡人皆有得意时 |
| sick as a dog | very sick | 病得很重 |
Examples
- My dad still uses physical maps and refuses to use mobile navigation apps. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
- The acting world can be a bit dog-eat-dog. Everyone’s competing for jobs and not many people help each other.
- The basketball team that had never won a tournament finally won, proving that every dog has its day.
- I can’t come tonight. Sorry. I feel sick as a dog.
Extra “dog” idioms
| 习语 | 含义 |
|---|---|
| let sleeping dogs lie | 别惹麻烦；事不过三 |
| work like a dog | 拼命工作 |
| dog days | 三伏天；低迷期 |
| top dog | 头目；优势者 |
| underdog | 弱势方；预期会输者 |