dog's dinner
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A poor job; a mess; something that is very untidy, disorganized, or badly done. This idiom is used to describe a situation, task, or object that is chaotic, unsuccessful, or executed very poorly.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- The new manager's reorganization plan was a complete dog's dinner; no one knows what they're supposed to be doing now.
- I tried to fix the plumbing myself, but I just made a dog's dinner of it and had to call a professional.
- Her hair looked like a dog's dinner after she got caught in the storm.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- The phrase is almost always used with the indefinite article "a" (e.g., ).
- It is primarily used in informal, conversational British English.
- The idiom often carries a tone of criticism, disappointment, or humorous exasperation.
- "Dog's breakfast" is a direct synonym and variant with identical meaning and usage. The choice between "dinner" and "breakfast" is a matter of regional or personal preference.
Variants and Related Words
- Dog's breakfast (noun): A direct synonym meaning a mess or a botched job.
- The report was a dog's breakfast of conflicting data and typos.
Synonyms
- Mess: A state of confusion or disorder.
- Fiasco: A complete and ridiculous failure.
- Shambles: A state of total disorder.
- Botch: A badly carried out task. (Often used as "make a botch of something").
Related Idioms
- Make a hash of something: To do something very badly.
- I'm afraid I've made a real hash of the cooking.
- A complete mare's nest: A complex and chaotic situation. (Slightly more formal/archaic).
Noun
- a poor job; a mess
- they made a real dog's breakfast of that job