dog-box

A railway worker loads a dog-box onto a freight train.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Railway carriage for dogs: "dog-box" refers to a specialized compartment or carriage on a train designed for transporting dogs. This usage is primarily historical or technical within the railway industry.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The railway company added a dog-box to the passenger train for pet owners traveling with their animals. (A special carriage for dogs.)
  • In the old days, the dog-box was a small, ventilated compartment at the end of the train. (A historical railway feature.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the dog-box": (informal, figurative) to be in a difficult or confined situation, akin to being in trouble or disfavor.
  • After missing the deadline, he was in the dog-box with his boss. (He was in trouble or disfavor.)

Variants and Related Words

• Doghouse (n): a small shelter for a dog; also figuratively, a state of disfavor.

  • The dog slept in its doghouse outside. (A shelter for a dog.)

• Dog-cart (n): a cart drawn by dogs or used for transporting dogs.

  • The hunter used a dog-cart to carry his hounds. (A cart for dogs.)

Synonyms

• Dog carriage: a railway carriage specifically for dogs.
• Pet compartment: a general term for a space for animals on a train.

Phrasal Verbs

• (None directly applicable to "dog-box" as a noun.)

Related Idioms

• In the doghouse: in a state of disfavor or trouble.
  • He forgot his wife's birthday, so he's in the doghouse now. (He is in trouble with her.)