“Hair of the Dog” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 4, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Have you ever come across the phrase “hair of the dog” and wondered about its origins and meaning? This reference explores the history behind the term, giving you a clear idea of how it has been used over time. You’ll also find examples of “hair of the dog” in everyday language and discover alternative ways to express this phrase. Whether you’re curious about its historical roots or its practical use, this guide covers the essentials.

Hair of the Dog Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Hair of the dog” refers to the practice of consuming a small amount of alcohol in the morning to relieve a hangover from drinking too much the night before. The phrase comes from an old belief that a cure for a dog bite was to apply some of the dog’s hair to the wound, metaphorically suggesting that the thing that caused the problem (alcohol) can also be used to fix it.
Hair of the Dog Meaning
Hair of the Dog Meaning – Created by 7ESL

“Hair of the Dog” Meaning

When someone uses the term ‘hair of the dog’ they are referring to having another alcoholic drink in order to cure a hangover, the full saying is ‘the hair of the dog that bit you.’ This refers to the fact that something that made you feel bad, will also help you to feel better.

Origin of this Idiom

The phrase ‘hair of the dog’ comes from a time when people believed the if someone was bitten by a dog that had rabies, they could be cured by drinking a potion that contained some of the hair from the dog that did the biting. This was a belief dating back to medieval times.

Related Terms to “Hair of the Dog”

Here are some related terms to “hair of the dog”:

  1. Hangover cure – Remedies or methods to relieve hangover symptoms, including the “hair of the dog.”
  2. Bite the dog that bit you – A similar phrase implying that the solution to a problem is more of what caused it.
  3. Morning after – Refers to the day following heavy drinking, often associated with a hangover.
  4. Pick-me-up – A drink or remedy intended to revive or refresh someone, especially after a rough night.
  5. Recovery drink – A drink consumed to help recover from excessive drinking.
  6. Bloody Mary – A popular morning cocktail often associated with hangover relief.

These terms are often used in the context of hangovers or remedies for overindulgence.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are plenty of other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘hair of the dog.’

Here are some examples of the things you could say.

  • Adams ale
  • A bit of what ails you does you good
  • Fight evil with evil

“Hair of the Dog” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made by someone who needs to feel better after drinking alcohol.

  • ‘I feel terrible this morning but I’m sure some hair of the dog will help me to feel better.’

This statement offers advice using the phrase.

  • ‘If your head hurts that much from all that wine you drank, perhaps you need a bit of hair of the dog.’

Helpful examples:

  • Even a hair of the dog didn’t make him feel better.
  • Some hair of the dog would probably make me feel better.
  • Red hair of the dog is allowed to brown-nose, lips, and Yanquan.
  • Having a cup of tea after you drink overnight is the hair of the dog bit you.
  • My stomach still feels wobbly; let’s go over to the pub and have a hair of the dog.

Conversation Examples

If you are curious as to how you might use the phrase ‘hair of the dog’ in a conversation, here are some examples to show you how it might work.

The first conversation is between two people whilst on an evening out.

  • Person 1: “Are you going to have another glass of wine?”
  • Person 2: “Yes, sure.”
  • Person 1: “You’re going to have a hangover tomorrow.”
  • Person 2: “It’s ok, I’ll just have some hair of the dog and be ready to go.”

This conversation is between two housemates, one of whom has drank too much alcohol.

  • Person 1: “I feel so awful this morning, I wish I hadn’t drank so much last night.”
  • Person 2: “A bit of the hair of the dog will sort you right out.”
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