What Does โSic sth on sbโ Mean?
โSic sth on sbโ means to order an animal or person to attack or chase someone. It often implies causing someone to be aggressive or threatening towards another.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โSic sth on sbโ is commonly used when talking about commanding an animal, usually a dog, to attack a person or another animal. It can also be used figuratively when someone encourages another to confront or cause trouble for someone else. Understanding the Sic sth on sb meaning helps learners use it correctly in various situations, especially in informal or storytelling contexts.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: sic something on somebody
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to order an animal or person to attack or chase someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โSic sth on sbโ is a separable phrasal verb, which means you can place the object between โsicโ and โonโ or after the whole phrase.
- Pattern 1: sic + object + on + person/animal
- Example: He sicced the dog on the intruder.
- Pattern 2: sic + on + person/animal (object implied)
- Example: She sicced on him without warning.
How to Use Sic sth on sb?
Use โsic sth on sbโ when describing a command to an animal or person to attack or chase someone. It often appears in stories, reports, or informal speech. The object is usually an animal like a dog. You can also use it metaphorically when encouraging conflict.
Examples
Imagine a guard dog set loose to protect a property. You might say:
- The owner sicced his dog on the trespasser.
- When the stranger entered, the security guard sicced the dogs on him.
- She sicced her friends on the person spreading rumors.
- The police sicced the sniffer dogs on the suspect.
- He sicced his attack dog on the intruder without hesitation.
These examples show โSic sth on sb in a sentenceโ used naturally.
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse the word order or omit necessary parts. Here are examples:
- Incorrect: He sicced on the dog the intruder.
- Correct: He sicced the dog on the intruder.
- Incorrect: She sicced the on him.
- Correct: She sicced the dog on him.
Remember, the object (usually an animal) should come immediately after โsicโ when used in full form.
Differences / Synonyms
โSic sth on sbโ is similar to โset sth on sbโ or โlet loose on sb,โ but it specifically implies a command to attack or chase. โSet sth on sbโ can be broader, meaning to direct something aggressive towards someone.
- Sic sth on sb: Commanding an animal or person to attack.
- Set sth on sb: Causing something or someone to attack or confront.
- Let loose on sb: Allowing an uncontrolled attack or criticism.
Common Collocations
People often use โsicโ with certain animals and objects. Here are common collocations:
- Dog: The most common animal to sic on someone.
- Hounds: Often used in hunting contexts.
- Attack dog: A trained dog used for protection or aggression.
- Sniffer dog: A dog trained to detect substances, sometimes sicced on suspects.
Real-life Dialogue
Hereโs a short conversation using the phrasal verb:
Alex: Did you see what happened at the gate?
Jamie: Yeah, the owner sicced his dog on the stranger who tried to climb over.
Alex: That dog didnโt hesitate at all!
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โsic sth on sbโ:
- The farmer _______ his dogs _______ the fox that was near the henhouse.
- She _______ her friends _______ the bully at school.
- They _______ the guard dogs _______ the intruders immediately.
FAQ
- What does โsic sth on sbโ mean? It means to order an animal or person to attack or chase someone.
- Can โsicโ be used without an object? Yes, but usually the object (like a dog) is mentioned for clarity.
- Is โsic sth on sbโ formal? No, it is mostly informal or used in storytelling.
- Can โsicโ be used with humans? Yes, sometimes it means to encourage people to confront or attack someone.
- Is โsicโ separable? Yes, you can place the object between โsicโ and โon.โ
