hair of the dog
1 of 1phrase/ˈhɛr əv ðə ˈdɔɡ/
1
an alcoholic drink consumed to cure a headache that comes after excessive drinking
The idiom "hair of the dog" is often used in the context of drinking and refers to the belief that the best cure for a hangover is to have another alcoholic drink, typically the same type of alcohol that was consumed the night before. The origin of this expression comes from an old folk remedy, which suggested that a person who had consumed too much alcohol could alleviate their hangover symptoms by ingesting a small amount of the same alcoholic beverage the next day, likened to "a hair of the dog that bit you." While this remedy is not a recommended treatment for hangovers, the idiom remains in use today, often with a humorous or sarcastic tone.
- Oh, I'm miserable.I need some of the hair of the dog that bit me.
- Feeling the effects of last night's party, he thought a Bloody Mary in the morning might be the perfect "hair of the dog" to cure his hangover.
- She jokingly suggested that the best way to deal with a hangover is to have another drink, following the "hair of the dog" principle.
- While some people believe in the "hair of the dog" remedy, it's not a scientifically proven method to alleviate a hangover.
- Although some people swear by "hair of the dog," it's important to remember that moderation and proper hydration are more effective ways to prevent and treat hangovers.