What does “Small dog, tall weeds” mean?
"Small dog, tall weeds" means a situation where a small problem is being overshadowed by bigger issues.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The small dog of budget cuts is getting lost in the tall weeds of corruption scandals.
Example
While the team is struggling with injuries, the coach is worried that the small dog of poor communication is getting lost in the tall weeds of player morale.
Example
In the midst of a global pandemic, the small dog of climate change is often overlooked in the tall weeds of public health concerns
Is “Small dog, tall weeds” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Small dog, tall weeds” 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 “Small dog, tall weeds” effectively in context?
You can use "Small dog, tall weeds" to describe a situation where a small problem or issue is being overshadowed or ignored due to the presence of bigger or more pressing issues. It emphasizes the idea that the small problem is getting lost or overlooked in comparison to the larger ones. For example, if there are multiple scandals happening in a government, you might say, 'The small dog of budget cuts is getting lost in the tall weeds of corruption scandals.'
- 1Politics
Amidst the chaos of political scandals, the small dog of education reform is often lost in the tall weeds.
- 2Sports
While the team is struggling with injuries, the coach is worried that the small dog of poor communication is getting lost in the tall weeds of player morale.
- 3Global Issues
In the midst of a global pandemic, the small dog of climate change is often overlooked in the tall weeds of public health concerns.
Similar phrases to “Small dog, tall weeds”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Small dog, tall weeds” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Small dog, tall weeds" is unknown.
Is “Small dog, tall weeds” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Small dog, tall weeds" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be used in specific contexts such as politics, sports, or discussions about global issues.
What tone does “Small dog, tall weeds” have?
"Small dog, tall weeds" conveys a tone of frustration or concern. It highlights the imbalance of attention given to different problems and suggests that the smaller problem deserves more recognition.
Can “Small dog, tall weeds” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Small dog, tall weeds" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a metaphorical expression that can be used to discuss various topics. However, it may be more commonly used in informal conversations or in writing that aims to convey a more creative or expressive tone.
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 small dog of budget cuts is getting lost in the tall weeds of corruption scandals.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't let the small dog get lost in the tall weeds!' to remind someone to pay attention to a smaller issue.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- overlooked issue
- minor concern
- neglected problem
- underappreciated matter
Antonyms
- major issue
- dominant problem
- primary concern
- prominent matter
