Every Dog Has Its Day 🎉🐕
When old, unused proverbs manage a sneak attack back into modern language, you know you’re dealing with a classic cliché. Let’s ruff-ruff it up!
Definition:
This cliché means that even the most unfortunate or despised will eventually achieve recognition or revenge.
Synonyms and Similar Terms:
- The worm turns: Even the meekest eventually the bravery or opportunity to fight.
- Comeuppance: Someone receiving their just punishment or reward.
- Turnabout is fair play: Revenge or getting even is fair.
- It’s my time to shine: An idiomatic expression to indicate a moment of spotlight.
Historical Context:
Erasmus traced this metaphor to an ancient Macedonian proverb linked to the death of the Greek playwright Euripides in 406 B.C. During a visit to the king of Macedonia, Euripides is set upon and killed by dogs, which were, of course, a rival’s weapon of choice.
Proverbs & Expressions:
- “As every man saith, a dog hath a day.” (John Heywood, 1546)
- “Every dog has his day, and I have had mine.” (George Bernard Shaw, Caesar and Cleopatra, 1897)
- “He who laughs last, laughs best.”
In Literature:
- Caesar and Cleopatra by George Bernard Shaw. The quote appears as a reflection of final triumph.
- Euripides by various ancient biographers where proverbs serve not only as folklore but guides towards human behavior and justice.
In Movies:
- John Wick (2014) - revenge plot initiated by canine tragedy (every dog certainly had its payday).
- The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) - tale of revenge and patience.
In Songs:
- “Every Dog Has Its Day” by Toby Keith (2010) - Celebrating moments of triumph for those at the bottom.
- “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley (1956) - Feeling underestimated? Prove them wrong!
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “Some days you’re the dog; some days you’re the hydrant.” 🐕🚰
- “If you’re lucky, ‘every dog has its day’ doesn’t coincide with ‘chickens come home to roost.’”
Provoking thoughts:
- Achieving recognition is often more about persistence and less about luck. Is it, then, every persistent dog has his day?
Inspirational Goodbye:
May you wag more, bark less, and find your triumphant day soon. Until then, keep digging for those momentous bones!
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [ ] Dancing with squeaky shoes
- [x] Every dog has its day
- [ ] Climbing the donut tree
- [ ] Painting with sunlight
> **Explanation:** "Every dog has its day" is a genuine idiom implying that eventually, even the least fortunate or luckless person will have a moment or opportunity for success or revenge. The rest? Deliciously fictitious!
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [ ] Flying with rainbow wings
- [x] The worm turns
- [ ] Reading shadows in the night
- [ ] Drumming with moon eggs
> **Explanation:** "The worm turns" is a recognized phrase meaning even the meekest of beings can by force of circumstances rise and fight back. Others are flights of fancy!
### True or False: 'Every dog has its day' means even the luckless will eventually have a moment of success or revenge.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely true! This idiom underlines the belief in an eventual moment of recognition or triumph for everyone, even the most underprivileged.
