Dog days of summer

Meaning

The hottest, most lethargic stretch of summer.

Usage

Used for sluggish periods when productivity slows because of heat.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Ancient Greeks linked sultry days to the star Sirius, the 'Dog Star'.

The term moved into English by the Renaissance to describe oppressive weather.