Learn to speak canine with these dog idioms in the Chinese language

There are plenty of Chinese idioms with references to the dog. In many of these canine-associated idioms, the Chinese do not seem to have good or kind words for dogs. In fact, “the dog” is victimised or is blamed for causing chaos, and is thought to be condescending and even a traitor.

Sinologist Dr Lai Kuan Fook, 80, explains: “Generally the Chinese are fond of dogs which they consider as faithful and loyal. However, some Chinese idioms associated with the dog tell of its shortcomings. Some idioms convey the message of condemning others or indicating that a person is contemptuous, unscrupulous or behaving worse than an animal!