dog days
Plural
dog days
1
a period of hardship, struggle, or adversity
The origins of the phrase "dog days" can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed that the star Sirius, also known as the "Dog Star," rose in conjunction with the sun during the hottest part of the summer. This period was associated with drought, sickness, and other hardships. Today, the phrase "dog days" is often used to describe a period of hardship or adversity, whether it be personal or societal.
- If they don't prepare well, they will face the dog days of a difficult exam.
- She has been through the dog days of a divorce, with legal battles and emotional turmoil.
- The company is going through the dog days of a financial crisis, with layoffs and budget cuts.
- We're in the dog days of the pandemic, struggling with the new variant and rising cases.
2
a period of hot weather between early July and early September
The idiom "dry spell" is derived from the literal meaning of a "spell" referring to a period of time or duration, and "dry" indicating a lack of moisture or something expected. It is mainly used to describe a period of time when there is a lack of rainfall or a scarcity of something
- The region experienced a severe dry spell during the summer months, with little to no rainfall for weeks on end.
- Farmers faced significant challenges during the dry spell as their crops struggled to survive without sufficient water.
- Due to the prolonged dry spell, authorities implemented water restrictions to conserve resources and cope with the drought.
- The dry spell in the area led to an increased risk of wildfires, prompting authorities to issue fire safety warnings.
- Gardens and lawns suffered during the dry spell, causing plants to wither and turn brown due to the lack of moisture.
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