dog days

• Período más caluroso e incómodo del verano, generalmente en julio y agosto en el hemisferio norte. El término proviene de la antigüedad, cuando la salida de Sirio (la Estrella del Perro) coincidía con esta época de calor intenso.

The hottest, most uncomfortable period of summer, typically occurring in July and August in the Northern Hemisphere. The term originates from ancient times when the rising of the Dog Star (Sirius) coincided with this hot period.

1. Hottest period of summerB2informal

   The hottest, most uncomfortable part of summer, typically in July and August in the Northern Hemisphere.

   Canícula

   • During the dog days of August, it's too hot to go outside.
   • We stayed indoors with the air conditioning on during the dog days.
   • The dog days are known for their oppressive heat and humidity.

2. Period of stagnation or inactivityB2informal

   A period of inactivity, laziness, or lack of progress.

   Canícula (sentido figurado: estancamiento)

   • The company is going through the dog days of summer with very few sales.
   • After the holidays, the office entered the dog days where nothing got done.
   • He felt stuck in the dog days of his career, with no new challenges.