[put] on the dog
1
to behave in a pretentious way to prove one is rich or fashionable
The origin of the idiom "put on the dog" can be traced back to the late 19th century. It emerged as an American slang expression, specifically associated with the upper class and their ostentatious displays of wealth and refinement. The idiom "put on the dog" metaphorically refers to the act of presenting oneself with an air of sophistication, elegance, or extravagance. The idiom is often used to describe someone who is dressing up or acting in a manner that is perceived as pretentious or showy.
- She always puts on the dog when attending formal events, wearing expensive designer gowns and jewelry.
- The wealthy businessman put on the dog during the charity gala, arriving in a luxurious limousine and making grand gestures of generosity.
- He decided to put on the dog for the job interview, wearing a tailored suit and using elaborate vocabulary to impress the interviewer.
- The restaurant put on the dog by offering an extravagant menu and creating an opulent dining atmosphere.
- The celebrity couple put on the dog at the red-carpet event, arriving in a lavish entourage and flaunting their expensive attire.