Every dog has his day

Definition

Everyone will have a period of good fortune or success at some point in their life, even those who seem unlucky or unimportant.

Etymology

This proverb dates back to ancient Greece, with similar sentiments expressed by various classical authors. The English version appeared in the 16th century and was popularized by Shakespeare in 'Hamlet.' The 'dog' reference likely stems from the lowly status of dogs in many historical contexts, making their eventual 'day' more meaningful.

Kelly Says

The democratic nature of this saying is deeply comforting - it suggests that success isn't reserved for the privileged or naturally gifted, but will eventually visit everyone. It's particularly poignant that dogs, historically considered lowly creatures, are chosen as the metaphor, reinforcing that even the most humble among us will have our moment to shine.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.