人間の第一の友

Do you know the discovery channel? Have you ever seen one of their programs? If you have and are like me then you would agree that one of the most exciting programs are about sharks. And guess what? Shark week is coming to the discovery channel! To celebrate the coming of shark week, I thought it would be a good idea to do some posts about animals. It would be hard to find someone who isn't fond of animals. First up this week, let's take a look at some "animal" idioms. Here are some common dog idioms.

Last week, typhoon Melor passed through the Kanto region. It was raining cats and dogs. In fact, it rained so hard some of my classes were cancelled.
Meaning: Use it's raining cats and dogs to describe heavy rain.

I broke my wife's favorite vase and have been in the dog house since.
Meaning: You have done something which has made someone angry.

When your boss is in a bad mood it is best to let sleeping dogs lie.
Meaning: Leave something/someone alone if it might cause trouble.

The proverb "Barking dogs seldom bite" suggests that people who say they are going to do something bad to us usually do nothing.

Last but not least, are you a dog person or a cat person? Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Use last but not least to emphasize that while it is listed last on the list, it is just as important as the other things mentioned (earlier) on that list.

Some samples from ALC space website:

As far as symphony is concerned, he is said to be fond of Gustav Mahler.
交響曲ではグスタフ・マーラーが好きなのだそう。

Father has been in the dog house since he lost his wedding ring.
パパは結婚指輪をなくしてから、すっかり頭が上がらない。

Last but not least

大事｛だいじ｝なことを言い忘れていたが

Last but not least, allow me to add some suggestions to further improve the magazine which will be facing the 21st century very soon.

最後に、間近に迫った21世紀に向け、本誌の一層の向上をはかるためにいくつかの提案をさせていただきたいと思います。

You know what they say. Let sleeping dogs lie.
よく言うでしょ、「触らぬ神にたたりなし」ってね.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

眠っている犬を起こすな。／寝た子を起こすな。／触らぬ神にたたりなし。／事を荒立てるな。／やぶをつついてヘビを出すな.