How to Pronounce "a barking dog never bites"
expression
uh BAR-king DAWG NEV-er BYTS
uh BAR-king DOG NEV-uh BYTS
Definition
Used to say that people who threaten or talk a lot about causing harm usually do not actually do anything harmful.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈbɑɹkɪŋ/ /ˈdɔɡ/ /ˈnɛvɝ/ /ˈbaɪts
British English
æɪ/ /bˈɑːkɪŋ/ /dˈɒɡ/ /nˈɛvɐ/ /bˈaɪts
Simplified Pronunciation
US
uh BAR-king DAWG NEV-er BYTS
UK
uh BAR-king DOG NEV-uh BYTS
Listen in Context
Don't worry about Sam; a barking dog never bites.
My mother always says, 'a barking dog never bites', when someone complains loudly.
Tom seems angry, but a barking dog never bites.
He shouts threats all the time, but remember, a barking dog never bites.