dog in the manger

noun phrase

: a person who selfishly withholds from others something useless to himself

Word History

Etymology

from the fable of the dog who prevented an ox from eating hay which he did not want himself

First Known Use

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dog in the manger was in 1573

Dictionary Entries Near dog in the manger

dogie

dog in the manger

dog iron

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Cite this Entry

“Dog in the manger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dog%20in%20the%20manger. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

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