Reading Theme:
Walk the Dog: Meaning, Usage, and Examples
Meaning 1：take a dog for a walk (walk the dog)
walk the dog
/wɔːk ðə dɒɡ/
v. phr.
To take a dog for a walk outside, usually for exercise or to let it go to the bathroom.
take a dog for a walk
➕
/teɪk ə dɒɡ fɔːr ə wɔːk/
v. phr.
To accompany a dog outdoors for exercise, bathroom needs, or enjoyment, usually on a leash.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
A verb phrase: 'walk' (Old English 'wealcan' meaning to move) + 'the dog' (domesticated canine).
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a leash in one hand, a happy dog pulling you forward—walk the dog is simply that action.
📖 Example
Every morning, Sarah walk the dog in the park to start her day with some fresh air.
Sarah takes her dog for a walk in the park every morning to enjoy the fresh air.
🔗 Collocations
walk the dog daily – to walk the dog every day
take the dog for a walk – to bring the dog outside for a walk
dog walking service – a professional service that walks dogs for owners
🔄 Synonyms
take the dog out (v. phr.) – to bring the dog outside for a walk
walk the pet (v. phr.) – to walk any domestic animal, especially a dog
stroll with the dog (v. phr.) – to walk leisurely with a dog
🚫 Antonyms
keep the dog indoors (v. phr.) – to not take the dog outside for a walk
confine the dog (v. phr.) – to restrict the dog inside the house
🌱 Derivatives
dog walker (n.) – a person who walks dogs professionally
dog walking (n.) – the activity of walking dogs
📖 Cultural Story
Dog walking became a common middle-class practice in Victorian England, emphasizing pet health and social etiquette. Today it is a daily routine for millions.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser