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Hair of the Dog

What Does "Hair of the Dog" Mean?

homeidiomsHair of the Dog
"Hair of the dog" is an English idiom. It means "a remedy for a hangover, often consisting of consuming a small amount of the same alcoholic beverage that was consumed the previous night."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "hair of the dog" used in a sentence:
  • After a night of heavy drinking, some people believe that having a "hair of the dog" in the morning can alleviate their hangover.
  • Instead of reaching for the hair of the dog, it's generally better to rehydrate and rest to recover from a hangover.
  • Many experts advise against using the "hair of the dog" approach, as it can prolong the effects of alcohol and lead to further health risks.
meaning for hair of the dog

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Hair of the Dog" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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