Fight Like Cat and Dog – Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, using idiomatic expressions naturally and correctly can boost your score, especially in the Lexical Resource criterion. Today’s idiom, “Fight like cat and dog,” is useful when describing people who argue or quarrel constantly and intensely.

Meaning of Fight Like Cat and Dog

Definition: To fight like cat and dog means to argue or quarrel violently and frequently. It is commonly used to describe siblings, couples, or colleagues who are always in conflict.

Origin of the Idiom Fight Like Cat and Dog

The phrase comes from the natural hostility between cats and dogs, who often fight when placed together. Over time, it became a metaphor for people who constantly argue or cannot get along.

Usage of Fight Like Cat and Dog in Context

Here are some example sentences showing how the idiom is used in IELTS Speaking:

• “We get on well now, but as children we fought like cat and dog.”
• “My boyfriend and I don’t fight like cat and dog, but his dog and my cat certainly do.”
• “The two presenters in that TV show fight like cat and dog, which makes it entertaining.”

Pro tip: Use this idiom when describing arguments, conflicts in relationships, or situations where people clash frequently.

When to Use the Idiom Fight Like Cat and Dog

You can use this idiom in IELTS Speaking Part 1, Part 2, or IELTS Speaking Part 3 when:

• Talking about sibling rivalry.
• Describing quarrels in relationships or friendships.
• Discussing why some people cannot get along.

Idiom Scenarios

Scenario 1
Sam: Do you and your brother get along well?
Asha: Not really, we fight like cat and dog most of the time.

Scenario 2
Mia: That couple looks so unhappy.
Arjun: Yes, they fight like cat and dog almost every day.

Sample Answer Using the Idiom Fight Like Cat and Dog

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe an accident that you have seen.

Sample Answer:
“One accident I witnessed happened near my school. Two drivers started arguing loudly over who had the right of way, and they fought like cat and dog in the middle of the road. Their shouting distracted them, and one car eventually hit a lamp post. I quickly called for help while others rushed to assist. This incident showed me how unnecessary conflicts can sometimes cause real harm.”

IELTS Vocabulary Tip for Fight Like Cat and Dog

Using idioms like fight like cat and dog makes your IELTS Speaking sound fluent, expressive, and natural. It’s especially effective when describing conflicts, relationships, or people who can’t agree on anything.

Exercise: Fight Like Cat and Dog

Multiple-Choice Question
Q1: “Mandy believes it is domestic bliss, but Paul says he’s free to see other women, and they _________________”

a) fight like cat and dog
b) down at heel
c) dressed to kill
d) runs in the family

Correct Answer: a) fight like cat and dog

Mastering idioms like fight like cat and dog not only enriches your vocabulary but also helps you sound more natural in IELTS Speaking. If you’re aiming for a higher band score, make sure to practice idioms in context and check out the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+