help a lame dog over a stile
to show kindness to, or to help out, someone in distress or in need
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It is kind to help a lame dog over a stile when someone struggles.”
“When my neighbor lost his job, I tried to help a lame dog over a stile by offering him some extra work.”
“She possessed a quiet generosity, always ready to help a lame dog over a stile whenever she encountered those burdened by misfortune or sudden hardship.”
- 01
buy a dog and bark oneself
To do something that one has hired someone else to do.
- 02
call off the dogs
To ease up on after inflicting great punishment.
- 03
can't help
To be unable to avoid a situation, or stop something from happening.
- 04
cat and dog life
An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.
- 05
cry for help
Acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help.
- 06
dog and cat
A team comprising one male and one female, either working as associates or having one as the second-in-command to the other.
- 07
dog and pony show
Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.
- 08
dog around
To follow diligently.
Last updated August 10, 2026