dog days

Definitions

1. The days following the heliacal rising of Sirius, now in early August (Gregorian) at dates varying by latitude.
   archaic, plural, plural-normally
2. The unpleasantly hot days of late summer.
   plural, plural-normally
3. Any similar period of inactivity, laziness, or stagnation.
   plural, plural-normally

Equivalents

Examples

“... a sterre, wherof canicular or dogge days be named Dies caniculares.”

“Dog days bright and clear Indicate⟳ a good year; But when accompanied by rain⟳, We hope⟳ for better times in vain.”

“Why ſhould thoſe Eteſian and Eaſterne winds blow⟳ cōtinually in ſome places, at ſet times, one way ſtill, in the dog dayes only: heere perpetuall drought, there dropping ſhowres; [...]”

“The dog days of August have⟳ often spelled trouble⟳ for the world economy.”

“The two-cassette miniseries, produced by Oliver Stone, arrives in early August, in time to stir⟳ the dog days of summer rentals.”

CEFR level