# dogs bark, cats meow

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dogs-bark-cats-meow
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to introduce something seen as inevitable or totally commonplace.

## Examples

- Dogs bark, cats meow, and he always complains about the weather.
- You should not be surprised by his rudeness; dogs bark, cats meow, and he is simply a difficult person.
- In the grand cycle of human nature, one must accept that dogs bark, cats meow, and politicians will inevitably promise more than they can deliver.

## Origin

From dogs + bark (verb) + cats + meow (verb).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.