This phrase is used to express that warnings or signs often come at inconvenient times. It literally translates to 'the dog doesn't bark at a bad time', implying that if the dog barks, there must be a reason.
Examples
- Spanish: Tengo una reunión importante y mi coche decidió averiarse hoy. Bueno, a mala hora no ladra el perro
- English: I have an important meeting and my car decided to break down today. Well, the dog doesn't bark at a bad time