Dog in the manger

Definitions

• possessiveness
  Describing someone who selfishly refuses to allow others to use or enjoy something that they themselves do not want or need.

• jealousy
  Describing someone who begrudgingly prevents others from achieving success or happiness, out of envy or resentment.

Examples of Dog in the manger

• The singer refused to share the stage with the new performers, even though they were less experienced. Her behavior was like that of a dog in a manger, who guards something he cannot use for his own benefit.

  The idiom "a dog in the manger" is used to describe someone who does not allow others to benefit from something, even though he himself cannot use it. In this example, the singer's behavior of refusing to share the stage with the new performers, who were less experienced, is compared to the action of a dog guarding food it cannot eat itself in the manger (a manger is a trough where animals feed). This idiom highlights the selfishness of the singer's refusal to let others use the stage, despite having no personal benefit from doing so.

• The boss insisted on doing everything himself, even though his subordinates were capable of doing it. His behavior was like that of a dog in a manger, who deprives others of enjoying the situation.

  The idiom "a dog in the manger" is used to describe someone who prevents others from enjoying something that they themselves cannot use. In this example, the boss's insistence on doing everything himself, even when his subordinates were capable of doing it, is compared to the action of a dog guarding the manger, where it prevents other animals from enjoying the food in it. This idiom implies that the boss's behavior deprives others of benefiting from the situation, although he himself is not gaining any advantage from it.

• The politician refused to compromise with the opposition, even though it would be beneficial for his constituents. His behavior was like that of a dog in a manger, who denies others the opportunity to prosper while achieving nothing himself.

  The idiom "a dog in the manger" is used to describe someone who refuses to make compromises or concessions, even though it would serve the greater good. In this example, the politician's refusal to compromise with the opposition, even when it would be beneficial for his constituents, is compared to the action of a dog guarding the manger, where it prevents other animals from enjoying the food in it. This idiom highlights the selfishness of the politician's insistence on sticking to his principles, to the detriment of other people's interests.

• The promoter canceled the concert at the last minute, denying fans the opportunity to enjoy the show. His behavior was like that of a dog in a manger, who deprives others of experiencing something for his own benefit.

  The idiom "a dog in the manger" is used to describe someone who denies others the opportunity to experience something, even when there is no personal benefit for himself. In this example, the promoter's cancellation of the concert at the last minute, denying fans the opportunity to enjoy the show, is compared to the action of a dog guarding the manger, where it prevents other animals from enjoying the food in it. This idiom implies that the promoter's behavior denied fans the chance to enjoy the concert, while achieving nothing himself. The use of this idiom further highlights the selfishness of the promoter's action.

• The new manager refused to allow his employees to use the company's new online software system, even though they were eager to learn it. He claimed that he felt it would disrupt the office routine and was not necessary for their jobs. In reality, he feared that his position would be threatened if others became too skilled in the system's operations. This is an example of the idiom "dog in the manger," as the manager was hoarding the knowledge and resources for himself.

  "Dog in the manger" is an English idiom that originated in the 17th century. It refers to a person who unnecessarily denies others the use of something that they have, out of a petty desire to maintain control over it. The idiom's origin is attributed to the fable "The Dog in the Manger" by Aesop, where a dog guards a pile of hay to prevent other animals from eating it, although he cannot consume it himself due to its bulk. This behavior is often seen as irrational and detrimental to the value of the resource being withheld.

• The basketball coach refused to allow any substitutions during the final minutes of the game, even when his team was clearly tired and struggling to score. He claimed that he wanted to test his players' endurance and keep them in the game for the full 40 minutes. However, some team members argued that making substitutions would have given them a stronger chance of winning. In this scenario, the coach can be seen as a "dog in the manger," as they were unnecessarily depriving their team of a tactical advantage and potentially losing the match.

  In this example, "dog in the manger" is used to describe a situation where a person's stubborn adherence to a rigid rule or idea results in their own and others' harm. The coach's behavior in refusing to allow substitutions may have been influenced by his belief in the importance of endurance, but his team's potential loss could have also been avoided with strategic substitutions. By relying on an inflexible stance, the coach was denying his team the opportunity to adjust their strategy and potentially win.

• The artist refused to show his finished paintings to anyone, including his galleries and potential buyers. He claimed that he wanted to keep them private and preserve their original meaning. However, his lack of promotion and exhibition left his work largely unknown, and his income suffered significantly. This is an example of the idiom "dog in the manger," as the artist's refusal to share his work denied it exposure and prevented others from enjoying it.

  In this example, "dog in the manger" is utilized to describe a situation when a person's unwillingness to share or acknowledge the value of something denied it the appreciation and recognition it deserved. The artist's reluctance to exhibit his work may have stemmed from his desire to maintain creative control or protect it from criticism. However, his lack of promotion resulted in his work being undervalued and less appreciated by the art community and buyers. By depriving his work of exposure, the artist was hindering its potential recognition and commercial success.

Conclusion

The idiom "dog in the manger" is commonly used to describe possessive or jealous behavior, where someone selfishly prevents others from using or enjoying something for their own gain.

In the first meaning, this idiom is often used to criticize someone who is withholding or hoarding something that they themselves do not want or need, simply to prevent others from having it. This can apply to both physical possessions and intangible things such as opportunities or experiences. It suggests a selfish and ungenerous attitude towards others.

In the second meaning, the idiom is used to describe someone who is resentful of others' success or happiness and tries to undermine or sabotage it out of jealousy. This can manifest in various ways, such as spreading rumors or actively working against someone's progress. It implies a malicious and spiteful nature.

Origin of "Dog in the manger"

The idiom "dog in the manger" comes from an ancient Greek fable about a dog who lays in a manger, preventing the oxen from eating the hay. The dog had no use for the hay himself, but refused to let the oxen eat it because he didn't want them to have it.

Over time, this fable became a metaphor for possessive or jealous behavior. The earliest recorded use of the phrase in English was in a 16th-century play by John Lyly, and it has been used in literature and everyday language ever since. Its enduring popularity suggests that the concept it represents is still relevant and relatable today.