What does “Every man and his dog” mean?
"Every man and his dog" means that a lot of people are present or involved in a particular situation or event.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The concert was so popular, every man and his dog showed up.
Example
The store had a huge sale and every man and his dog was there.
Example
The park was crowded with every man and his dog enjoying the sunny weather
Is “Every man and his dog” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Every man and his dog” 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 man and his dog” effectively in context?
You can use "Every man and his dog" to describe a situation where a large number of people are present or involved. It emphasizes the idea that everyone, even the most unlikely individuals, is participating or showing up. For example, if a party is extremely crowded, you might say, 'It was so packed, every man and his dog showed up.'
- 1Event
The concert was so popular, every man and his dog showed up.
- 2Sale
The store had a huge sale and every man and his dog was there.
- 3Outdoor Activity
The park was crowded with every man and his dog enjoying the sunny weather.
Similar phrases to “Every man and his dog”:
In droves
In large numbers or groups
Example
People were leaving the theater in droves after the disappointing movie.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Every man and his dog” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Every man and his dog" is unknown.
Is “Every man and his dog” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Every man and his dog" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to exaggerate the number of people present or involved in a situation.
What tone does “Every man and his dog” have?
"Every man and his dog" conveys a tone of exaggeration and informality. It is a lighthearted expression that adds emphasis to the idea of a large crowd or widespread participation.
Can “Every man and his dog” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Every man and his dog" is more commonly used in informal settings, it can also be used in more casual or humorous formal situations. It is not typically used in very formal or professional contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The event was so popular, "every man and his dog" showed up.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looks like "every man and his dog" is here!' to imply a large crowd.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- a crowd of people
- a sea of faces
- a throng of individuals
- a multitude of folks
- a horde of people
Antonyms
- a handful of people
- a select few
- a small gathering
- a sparse crowd
- a limited number of individuals
