Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
dog-in-the-manger
idiom
/ˈdɔg ɪn ðə ˈmeɪn(d)ʒər/
Definition
A person who prevents others from using or enjoying something that they themselves do not need or want.
Examples
- Despite having no interest in the project, he acted like a dog-in-the-manger, refusing to let his colleagues use the resources.
- The cat sat on the windowsill, acting like a dog-in-the-manger, watching the birds outside without any intention of catching them.
- She was a dog-in-the-manger about the book club, attending only to criticize but never to contribute.
Meaning
The term describes someone who is envious or spiteful, blocking access to something for others even though they have no use for it themselves.
Synonyms
- selfish
- spiteful
- envious
