black dogs

Meanings

1. 1phrasepluralfigurative

   A way of speaking about periods of deep sadness or depression, as if they were dark animals following someone.

   Grammar: Used with 'the': 'the black dogs.' It is not usually used for one short bad mood; it suggests a recurring or heavy condition.

   Patterns

   • the black dogs
   • fight the black dogs
   • the black dogs of depression

   After losing his job, he said the black dogs had come back.

   She writes honestly about living with the black dogs.

   The black dogs of winter can make everything feel hopeless.

2. 2nounplural

   Dogs that have black fur.

   Grammar: This is the literal use: simply more than one dog with black fur. It takes a plural verb: 'The black dogs are barking.'

   Patterns

   • two black dogs
   • the black dogs outside

   Two black dogs ran across the field.

   The black dogs next door bark at every passerby.

   She adopted three black dogs from the shelter.

Common combinations

the black dogs of depression

He spoke openly about the black dogs of depression.

fight the black dogs

She has learned to fight the black dogs with therapy and exercise.

the black dogs come back

When stress builds up, the black dogs come back.

two black dogs

Two black dogs were sleeping by the door.

Synonyms and how they differ

depression

Depression is the medical or everyday term; 'the black dogs' is a figurative and more literary way to refer to it.

melancholy

Melancholy suggests a sad, thoughtful mood; 'the black dogs' suggests a heavier, recurring condition.

Word family

black dog noun

Singular form, used literally for one black dog or figuratively for a single episode of sadness.

Commonly confused: black dogs or Black Dog?

Practice

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