In A Dog's Age – American Idiom Lesson

Introduction

Welcome to NJCLT's free English lesson on the American idiom 'In A Dog's Age'.

What Does 'In A Dog's Age' Mean?

The idiomatic expression 'In A Dog's Age' is used to describe a very long time or a significant period of time. It implies that something has taken much longer than anticipated or expected.

Origin of 'In A Dog's Age'

The phrase can be traced back to the 17th century, where it was first used by English speakers. It is speculated to have originated from the notion that dogs tend to have shorter lifespans compared to humans. Thus, an event or occurrence that would take a dog's age would seem very long for them.

Usage

The idiom 'In A Dog's Age' is commonly used in informal conversations and written texts. It is versatile and can be applied in various contexts. Here are a few examples:

Example 1:

John: "When was the last time we saw Susan?" Mary: "Oh, it was in a dog's age! Maybe a couple of years ago!"

Example 2:

After studying diligently for weeks, Lisa waited in anticipation for her test results. In a dog's age, the professor finally posted them online.

Example 3:

"I can't believe it's finally Friday! This week has dragged on in a dog's age," Sarah exclaimed to her colleagues.

Why Use 'In A Dog's Age'?

Using idioms like 'In A Dog's Age' adds color and richness to your English language skills. It helps to convey emotions and experiences with vivid imagery, making your conversations more engaging and memorable. Understanding idiomatic expressions also enhances your overall comprehension of the language.

Practice Makes Perfect

To reinforce your understanding, here are a few practice sentences for you to complete using 'In A Dog's Age':

• I haven't seen my best friend from high school ______________.
• She waited for her turn at the doctor's office __________________.
• It feels like it's been raining ___________________.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned the meaning and usage of the American idiom 'In A Dog's Age'. Keep practicing and incorporating idiomatic expressions into your everyday conversations to enhance your English skills. Stay tuned for more exciting lessons from NJCLT!