Fight like cat and dog

Meaning

The idiom "fight like cat and dog" means to fight with all one's might or to engage in a furious struggle. It suggests an intense and exhausting battle that involves both parties fighting tooth and nail.

Usage

• The two siblings started arguing and ended up fighting like cat and dog.
• After the argument escalated, they were fighting like cat and dog for hours.
• The team was ready to fight like cat and dog to win the championship.
• She fought like a cornered animal, clawing and scratching her way out of the situation.
• The two cats were fighting like cat and dog over the toy.

Roots and History

The idiom is thought to have originated in the 17th century in England when people would keep wild animals as pets. Cats and dogs were often kept together and would fight over food or territory. Over time, the phrase became used metaphorically to describe a fierce and intense battle between two opponents.

Synonyms in English

• Fight tooth and nail
• Go at it hammer and tongs
• Scrap like mad
• Battle it out
• Rumble and roar

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "Pelear como gatos y perros"
• French - "Lutter comme deux chats"
• German - "Kämpfen wie Katzen und Hunden"
• Italian - "Combattere come gatti e cani"
• Arabic - "مغاقبة لكنة في الشرق" (Magakba laknata fay al-sharq) meaning "a duel in the East"

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