the black dog

the black dog

euphemism Clinical depression. I'd been doing well to keep the black dog at bay, but the death of my mother sent me down a pretty deep spiral.
See also: black, dog
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the black dog

a metaphorical representation of melancholy or depression. informal
See also: black, dog
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • dew
  • dog-dew
  • dog-do
  • dog-doo
  • maker
  • down there
  • down below
  • between jobs
  • between projects
  • a visit from the stork
References in classic literature
The black dog came through the trees to get a better look at him and coughed that well-bred cough again.
But if it had not been for the black dog, he would have gone back.
When he was out of sight of the house and the black dog, he went into the woods on the other side of the way and emerged after an interval trimming a very tolerable cudgel with his pocket-knife.
The War in the Air
Mental health trainer Andy Caress hopes to help people suffering from depression with Beat the Black Dog.
Run aims to help combat depression
The venue, formerly Yankee Lounge and the Black Dog Bar, is undergoing a major refit according to its general manager Al Massie.
New town nightclub on search for staff; premises undergoing big refit
Throughout the ordeal, the black dog continuously howled in agony as it bled profusely on the pavement, shocking witnesses.
Taiwanese outraged after pit bull savagely mauls dog to death
Two handy color guides are the 36-page General Finishes Milk Paint Fan Deck and the Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint Color Recipes (available for download as a free PDF on Woodcraft.com).
Refresh your home with furniture paint
My bosses did that for me 13 years ago and, while the black dog has nipped my heels once or twice since, I now know I can get help fighting it off.
Dogged by 'nut' label; NEWS & FEATURES
A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: "As the victim bent down to pick up her dogs, the black dog has bitten her finger, causing a deep cut that required stitches.
Hunt for owner after dog bites woman
The black dog was leader of a pack that scavenged on the bodies of fallen fighters in the hills and acquired such a taste for human blood that they began attacking villagers.
The Devil is a Black Dog: Stories from the Middle East and Beyond
Philip Whiteman, dubbed the Black Dog Strangler, died as a result of an insulin overdose three weeks after being found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Frankland in November 2014.
Watchdog verdict on jail death
'The Black Dog' has been used as a metaphor for depression for centuries and the 2015 World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of what can be done to ensure that people with mental health problems can live with dignity.
Uni statue marks Mental Health Day
Depression: Understanding the Black Dog comes from an author who has suffered from major depression all of her life, and has learned to work with it.
Depression: Understanding the Black Dog
According to Granny, the Black Dog of Depression has hold of their Uncle Ben and has stolen Dublin's funny bone!
Doyle, Roddy: Brilliant