What does “Dog in the manger” mean?
"Dog in the manger" means someone who selfishly prevents others from enjoying or using something that they themselves do not want or need.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's such a dog in the manger, always hogging the best parking spot.
Example
She acted like a dog in the manger, refusing to share her toys with the other children.
Example
The company's CEO was accused of being a dog in the manger, hoarding resources for his own department
Is “Dog in the manger” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Dog in the manger” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Dog in the manger” effectively in context?
You can use "Dog in the manger" to describe someone who selfishly withholds or prevents others from accessing or enjoying something. It emphasizes the idea of possessiveness and unwillingness to share. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase:
- 1Parking
He's such a dog in the manger, always hogging the best parking spot.
- 2Sharing
She acted like a dog in the manger, refusing to share her toys with the other children.
- 3Resource Allocation
The company's CEO was accused of being a dog in the manger, hoarding resources for his own department.
Similar phrases to “Dog in the manger”:
To selfishly accumulate or keep things for oneself, preventing others from accessing or enjoying them
Example
He's hoarding all the snacks and not sharing with anyone.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Dog in the manger” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Dog in the manger" can be traced back to an ancient Greek fable attributed to Aesop. In the fable, a dog lies in a manger filled with hay and prevents the hungry oxen from eating it. The phrase has since been used metaphorically to describe someone who selfishly prevents others from enjoying or using something that they themselves do not want or need.
Is “Dog in the manger” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Dog in the manger" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to some other idioms. However, it is still recognizable and can be used effectively to describe someone who selfishly withholds or prevents others from accessing or enjoying something.
What tone does “Dog in the manger” have?
"Dog in the manger" conveys a tone of criticism and disapproval. It is often used to express frustration or annoyance towards someone who is being possessive or selfish.
Can “Dog in the manger” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Dog in the manger" is considered formal and may not be commonly used in casual conversations. It is more likely to be used in professional or literary contexts where a stronger and more precise expression is desired.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Dog in the manger" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's acting like a "dog in the manger", refusing to let anyone else use the computer.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be such a "dog in the manger"!' to imply someone should stop being selfish.
