What does “Every dog is valiant at his own door.” mean?
"Every dog is valiant at his own door" means that people can be brave and confident when they feel secure in their own environment. This proverb suggests that people may be more willing to defend their own home or territory than they would be in unfamiliar surroundings. The proverb can also be used to describe people who are boastful or arrogant in familiar situations, but who become timid or unsure when taken out of their comfort zone.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He talks a big game, but when it comes to actually doing something, he's all talk. Every dog is valiant at his own door.
Example
She's always so confident and assertive when she's in her own element, but put her in a new situation and she becomes a completely different person. Every dog is valiant at his own door.
Example
He's not as tough as he thinks he is. Every dog is valiant at his own door. Take him out of his comfort zone and he'll crumble
Is “Every dog is valiant at his own door.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Every dog is valiant at his own door.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Every dog is valiant at his own door.” effectively in context?
You can use "Every dog is valiant at his own door" to describe situations where people feel confident and brave in familiar environments but become timid or unsure when taken out of their comfort zone. It can also be used to criticize someone who boasts or talks confidently but fails to back it up with action. For example, if someone is always talking about their skills but never actually demonstrates them, you might say, 'He talks a big game, but when it comes to actually doing something, he's all talk. Every dog is valiant at his own door.'
- 1Self-Confidence
She's always so confident and assertive when she's in her own element, but put her in a new situation and she becomes a completely different person. Every dog is valiant at his own door.
- 2Overconfidence
He's not as tough as he thinks he is. Every dog is valiant at his own door. Take him out of his comfort zone and he'll crumble.
- 3Empty Boasting
He talks a big game, but when it comes to actually doing something, he's all talk. Every dog is valiant at his own door.
Similar phrases to “Every dog is valiant at his own door.”:
Familiarity breeds contempt
When you know someone or something very well, you may start to dislike or disrespect them
Example
They used to be good friends, but now they can't stand each other. Familiarity breeds contempt.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Every dog is valiant at his own door.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Every dog is valiant at his own door" is unknown.
Is “Every dog is valiant at his own door.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Every dog is valiant at his own door" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly found in literature or used by individuals who are familiar with proverbs.
What tone does “Every dog is valiant at his own door.” have?
"Every dog is valiant at his own door" conveys a tone of criticism or skepticism. It is often used to point out the difference between someone's confidence in familiar surroundings and their lack of confidence in unfamiliar situations.
Can “Every dog is valiant at his own door.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Every dog is valiant at his own door" is relatively formal. It is more likely to be used in written or formal spoken contexts rather than casual conversations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Every dog is valiant at his own door" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She's always so confident and assertive when she's in her own element, but put her in a new situation and she becomes a completely different person. Every dog is valiant at his own door.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to be valiant at your own door!' to imply the need for self-confidence.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- confidence is strongest at home
- people are braver in familiar surroundings
- comfort breeds courage
- familiarity brings confidence
Antonyms
- adaptability is key
- courage knows no boundaries
- confidence transcends environment
- bravery extends beyond one's comfort zone
