When preparing for the IELTS, understanding idiomatic expressions such as “Every dog has its day” can greatly enhance your performance, especially in the speaking and writing sections. In this article, we will provide an in-depth analysis of the phrase, its usage, and related idioms and vocabulary that can be beneficial for the IELTS exam.
Understanding the Idiom “Every Dog Has Its Day”
Meaning and Usage
The idiom “Every dog has its day” means that everyone will experience success or good luck at some point in their life. It is often used to encourage someone who might be struggling or facing difficulties.
Pronunciation
/ˈɛvri dɔɡ hæz ɪts deɪ/
Example Sentences
- Even though he has faced numerous rejections, he believes that “every dog has its day” and continues to apply for jobs.
- She finally got the promotion after years of hard work. I guess it’s true that every dog has its day.
- Every dog has its day, and today was his moment to shine.
Related Vocabulary
- Fortune (ˈfɔːrʧən) (noun): chance or luck as an arbitrary force affecting human affairs. Example: Fortune smiled upon him, and he won the lottery.
- Success (səkˈsɛs) (noun): the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. Example: Hard work is the key to success.
- Triumph (ˈtraɪəmf) (noun): a great victory or achievement. Example: The team’s victory was a triumph of skill and strategy.
Popularity in IELTS Context
The idiom “every dog has its day” is often used in both the Writing and Speaking sections of the IELTS exam. It can be very effective when discussing themes of success, failure, and perseverance.
Usage in IELTS Writing and Speaking
Writing Task 2
In Writing Task 2, this idiom can be used to enhance your argument, especially when discussing topics related to personal achievement and societal progress.
Example
Prompt: Does success come mainly from personal effort, or is it determined by factors outside our control?
Response:
While it is undeniable that external factors play a role in one’s success, personal effort is paramount. As the idiom goes, “every dog has its day.” This suggests that regardless of the obstacles one might face, persistence and hard work will eventually lead to success.
Speaking Part 2 and Part 3
Speaking Part 2
Describe a time when you felt proud of a family member.
Response:
I felt immensely proud when my sister got into her dream university. She had faced numerous setbacks, but she never gave up. I always told her that “every dog has its day,” and indeed, she achieved her goal through sheer determination.
Speaking Part 3
Do you think people need to experience failure to be successful?
Response:
Absolutely. Experiencing failure often provides valuable lessons. It teaches resilience and patience. I believe that “every dog has its day,” meaning that after facing challenges and difficulties, success is inevitable if one remains persistent.
Combining the Idiom with Other Vocabulary
Connecting this idiom with other advanced vocabulary can demonstrate a higher level of proficiency.
- Perseverance (ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns) (noun): persistence in doing something despite difficulty. Example: Perseverance is crucial because, as they say, every dog has its day.
- Opportunity (ˌɔːpəˈtjuːnɪti) (noun): a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. Example: When presented with an opportunity, remember that “every dog has its day” and seize the moment.
- Adversity (ədˈvɜːsɪti) (noun): difficulties or misfortune. Example: Facing adversity can be tough, but every dog has its day, and you will overcome.
Every Dog Has Its Day
Related Idioms and Expressions
Here are some idioms that are similar in meaning or can be used in conjunction with “every dog has its day” to add variety to your expressions:
- Every cloud has a silver lining – Every bad situation has some positive aspect to it.
- Rome wasn’t built in a day – Great things take time to achieve.
- Patience is a virtue – The ability to wait for something without frustration is a valuable quality.
- Good things come to those who wait – Patience will be rewarded.
- Fall seven times, stand up eight – Persistence in the face of failure is key.
Example Sentences:
- She remained optimistic through tough times, always saying “every cloud has a silver lining,” much like “every dog has its day.”
- Remember that “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and success takes time, as “every dog has its day.”
- “Patience is a virtue” they say, and those who wait understand that “every dog has its day.”
- “Good things come to those who wait,” a belief akin to “every dog has its day.”
- “Fall seven times, stand up eight,” for “every dog has its day” eventual success.
Conclusion
In summary, the idiom “every dog has its day” is a powerful tool for reinforcing themes of persistence and eventual success in your IELTS responses. Understanding and effectively using this idiom can significantly enhance your speaking and writing, making your answers more compelling and natural. Keep practicing with different idioms and you’ll find yourself well-prepared to tackle any IELTS topic that comes your way.