dog-eared

The phrase dog-eared is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of dog-eared.

Meaning of "dog-eared"

Meaning

The idiom "dog-eared" is used to describe an object that is overly worn or damaged, typically by being handled too much or by being exposed to the elements. The term has its roots in the term "dog-earing" which is the process of folding the corner of the page of a book. By doing so, the reader can easily locate a specific page they have been reading. Over time, if the book is handled too often, the pages will become excessively worn, which is why this action is known as "dog-earing". Therefore, the idiom "dog-eared" has come to be used to generally describe items that are excessively worn or damaged.

Etymology

The phrase "dog-eared" is derived from the process of "dog-earing" a book, which is folding down the corner of a page to mark a page. In the 19th century, the verb "dog-ear" was first used, which eventually turned into the idiom "dog-eared".

Usage

The idiom "dog-eared" is generally used to describe an object that is overly worn or damaged, typically by being handled too much or by being exposed to the elements. The idiom is also used figuratively, as in the phrase "dog-eared ideas", which describes ideas or plans that have been used too many times, and are now considered outdated or stale. Generally, the phrase is used to describe items that are in a state of disrepair, or of lesser quality than they should be.

Example Sentences

• The old book was full of dog-eared pages, indicating that it had been read many times.
• The carpet in our living room was starting to look dog-eared; it had seen better days.
• After years of use, the chair was starting to look rather dog-eared.
• The political party has been using the same dog-eared ideas for years, and it's high time they freshen up their platform.

From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms

English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.