ENGLISH
REFERENCE

one man and his dog

idiom
Meaning

Almost nobody; very few people.


Examples
SIMPLE

The concert was empty, with only one man and his dog.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician expected a large crowd, but the event was attended by only one man and his dog.

COMPLEX

Despite the extensive marketing campaign, the grand opening of the gallery was poorly attended, leaving the curator to address an audience of only one man and his dog.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as best one can

    In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.

  2. 02

    as far as one knows

    To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.

  3. 03

    back to square one

    Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.

  4. 04

    be a man

    To put up with something or take responsibility for it; to deal with something, such as pain or misfortune, without complaining.

  5. 05

    be one's own man

    To behave independently without the influence of others.

  6. 06

    be the bigger man

    To walk away from a conflict to prevent it from escalating.

  7. 07

    beat as one

    To share the same feelings.

  8. 08

    become one flesh

    To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.

Last updated April 17, 2026