Every dog has his day

The expression Every dog has his day is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the Every dog has his day idiom.

Meaning of "Every dog has his day"

Meaning

The phrase “Every dog has his day” is an idiom which means that everyone, even the most insignificant and helpless, will eventually have a moment of success or glory. This phrase is used to inspire optimism and encourage people to not give up on their aspirations, regardless of how unlikely they may seem.

Etymology

The idiom “Every dog has its day” dates back to the 15th century and was initially used in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, an English poet and author. In Chaucer’s works, “Every dog has his day” referred to the rise and fall of fortune, particularly when a person of low status had achieved a moment of glory. It is an English proverb that was later adopted as an idiom. The phrase has been used in various contexts, from literature to songs and movies.

Usage

This phrase can be used in various contexts to refer to a situation where a person, who is usually in a lower or weaker position than someone else, has had a moment of triumph. For example, it can be used to refer to a situation where a small business has gained a competitive edge in the market, or a hard-working individual has achieved their goals. The phrase can also be used to refer to moments of glory or victory, such as the underdog of a sports game winning despite all the odds.

Example Sentences

• “Don't lose hope, Dave – remember, every dog has his day.”
• “My small business may be small, but I know that one day every dog will have its day.”
• “The small team managed to beat the reigning champions – every dog has its day!”

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.