Meaning of Idiom “Fight Like Cats and Dogs”
To fight like cats and dogs means to not get along and argue bitterly and fiercely; (of two or more people) to always be having forceful arguments; to be involved in a feud.
Note that the version “fight like cat and dog” is seen frequently in dictionaries but the correct idiom is “fight like cats and dogs.” While the singular version “fight like cat and dog” is understood, it sounds strange and incorrect to most British or American ears. The allusion in the idiom is not to a single dog and cat fighting with one another but to the general nature of the relationship between cats and dogs and their reputation for being natural enemies.
Sentence Examples
“My brothers and I were always fighting like cats and dogs. My mother really had her hands full.”
“Don’t invite my brother if you’re going to invite Mack. They’ll end up fighting like cats and dogs.”
“Don’t worry about them. They seem to fight like cats and dogs but they always hang out with each other.”
“The negotiations did not go well. The two sides ended up fighting like cats and dogs. They couldn’t agree on the simplest thing.”
“You’d think they’d be upset about their father’s passing, but instead they are busy fighting like cats and dogs over his will.”
Examples From Movies and TV
“We used to fight like cats and dogs. Till we made it up in the ballroom” — Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984)
“I went out and took Brian’s place with The Beach Boys. And I can understand that’s probably why Brian had studio guys come in, because they would fight like cats and dogs, man.” — The Wrecking Crew (2015)
“I hate him. But he’s brilliant. And the two of them together are fighting like cats and dogs but it works.” — The West Wing: The Supremes (2004)
“…been doing that since you were kids. Fight like cats and dogs, then forget about it 10 minutes later. Used to drive your mother crazy.” — Criminal Minds: Bully (2013)
“Look, whether you like it or not, we are who we are. OK, I drive a truck, we hate scotch, we fight like cats and dogs. Deal with it.” — The King of Queens: Window Pain (2002)
“Yeah. You and your brother love each other, but you fight like cats and dogs.” — Army Wives: Over and Out (2010)
Origin
Used since at least the mid-1840s, this idiom alludes to the belief that cats and dogs are natural enemies and will instinctually fight and be aggressive toward one another, and to the common scene of a dog chasing a cat.