mad-dog
Americanverb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of mad-dog
An Americanism dating back to 1985–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hurley’s mad-dog histrionics on the sideline will drive him nuts, alienate refs and cause his players to shake their heads.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2024
One of them is a mad-dog rugger-bugger, slightly brain damaged boxing blue.
From Reuters • Sep. 5, 2013
Peter Crouch, hardly a mad-dog tackler by trade, was off after 14 minutes for two over-eager challenges that will haunt him mercilessly.
From The Guardian • Apr. 5, 2011
Crowell's other, more rollicking, mad-dog memories of his parents don't sound anything like fairy tales.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 4, 2011
Ethan’s face relaxes, his eyes soften, like he has lost his mad-dog bead of concentration.
From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
