lead a dog's life

Whether he draws them or writes about them, Thurber does it with the air of a man who knows what it is to lead a dog's life.

Then I recollected having read how cruelly boys are treated on board ship, and that if I were sent under such circumstances I should have to lead a dog’s life at the best.

“If he does, it will only be to lead a dog’s life,” murmured Mark, as he left to get the broth.

"Was it part of the bargain that he should insult you, trample on you, make you lead a dog's life without a single friend to make it bearable?"

"I think you'll lead a dog's life," he said.