[General] at open door dogs come in

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you tell me your opinion concerning the interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

They say in my country, when doors are open dogs enter. (W. Scott, “Woodstock”)

at open door dogs come in = at open doors dogs enter = freedom of care lead to unhappiness

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

 

[easybreakable]

Never heard this saying before, I'm interested to see any interpretation...

 

[vil]

Hi easybreakable,


Is it possible that my interpretation of mentioned above Scottish proverb is not on your liking?



V.

 

[easybreakable]

Hi,
I think it's kind of hard for me to link "dogs" to being "unhappy"... Still your interpretation might be quite true. ;-)

 

[SoothingDave]

If dogs came into my house and stole my food, I would not be happy.

 

[easybreakable]

If dogs came into my house and stole my food, I would not be happy.

hmmm in this case I think I'll change my mind... :lol:

 

[MrPedantic]

Here's the context:

As Charles was about to leave the apartment, he was prevented by the
appearance of Wildrake, who entered with an unusual degree of swagger in
his gait, and of fantastic importance on his brow. "I crave your pardon,
fair sir," he said; "but, as they say in my country, when doors are open
dogs enter. I have knocked and called in the hall to no purpose; so,
knowing the way to this parlour, sir,--for I am a light partisan, and
the road I once travel I never forget,--I ventured to present myself
unannounced."

i.e. "if you leave your door open, anything may come in".

As Gil says, the expression may be applied in any number of situations; though here Wildrake makes a humorous reference to his own entrance (he might be described as a "gay dog").

MrP

 

[5jj]

Mr Pedantic's post shows how much easier it is to deal with an expression if we are given sufficient context.