en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Explaining "Barking dogs seldom bite"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 07/10/2024, 19:52
English.me team member

What does it mean?

Barking dogs seldom bite

The phrase "Barking dogs seldom bite" suggests that people who make a lot of noise or threats are unlikely to take action. It implies that those who are aggressive or outspoken may not actually be dangerous or harmful.

Tone

Cautionary

Origin

This proverb has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated in English-speaking cultures. It is a metaphor derived from the observation of dogs: those that bark a lot often do not pose a real threat.

Examples of usage

  • He talks a lot about punishing those who disagree with him, but don't worry, barking dogs seldom bite.
  • Although she always threatens to quit whenever she's upset, she never does. Barking dogs seldom bite.

Recommended posts in Phrases

Time flies

Time flies

"Time flies" is a phrase used to express how quickly ... Learn more →

Forewarned is forearmed

Forewarned is forearmed

The phrase means that being informed or aware of a ... Learn more →

Life begins at forty

Life begins at forty

The phrase "Life begins at forty" suggests that the age ... Learn more →

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil

The phrase "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no ... Learn more →