Fight like cats and dogs
Meaning
To argue or quarrel fiercely and constantly with another person.
Origin
From the earliest days of cohabitation, the natural rivalry between domestic cats and dogs was a spectacle to behold in human homes. Cats, with their territorial independence and swift claws, often clashed with dogs, known for their boisterous curiosity and possessive barking. These instinctive interactions frequently erupted into hissing, chasing, and playful (or not-so-playful) skirmishes across the hearth. This common, visible animosity, a daily drama observed by countless generations, became the perfect, immediate metaphor for any pair of humans who were constantly at odds, their disagreements mirroring the endless squabbles of their furry companions.
Examples
- The siblings often fight like cats and dogs over the smallest things, making family gatherings quite lively.
- Despite their passionate arguments, the married couple insisted they didn't really fight like cats and dogs and truly loved each other.