How Do You Spell THE DOG IN THE MANGER?

Pronunciation: [ðə dˈɒɡ ɪnðə mˈe͡ɪnd͡ʒə] (IPA)

The phrase "the dog in the manger" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ðə dɑɡ ɪn ðə meɪndʒər/. This phrase means someone who prevents others from having things that they themselves don't want or need, much like a dog in a manger who neither eats the hay nor allows other animals to eat it. The word "manger" is pronounced as /meɪndʒər/, with the "ng" sound being represented by the "ng" digraph. The word "dog" is pronounced as /dɑɡ/ without any silent letters.

THE DOG IN THE MANGER Meaning and Definition

1. The idiom "the dog in the manger" is a phrase that refers to an individual or entity who selfishly prevents others from enjoying or benefiting from something they themselves have no use for. Derived from an ancient fable attributed to the Greek storyteller Aesop, the term depicts a scenario where a possessive dog lies in a manger, continuously snarling and growling, thus prohibiting other animals from consuming the hay present in the manger. Metaphorically, it represents a person who holds onto or hinders the use of something they cannot or will not utilize, purely out of unwillingness to allow others to possess it.

   In modern usage, the phrase often describes someone who, despite having no interest or intention to benefit from a resource or opportunity themselves, obstructs others from accessing or utilizing it productively. This behavior is typically motivated by jealousy, spite, or simply by a possessive attitude. The idiom may also imply a sense of discontent or malice towards others' success or advancement.

   In summary, "the dog in the manger" is an idiomatic expression that characterizes an individual or establishment that selfishly prevents others from enjoying or utilizing something they lack interest in or have no use for themselves, exhibiting possessiveness, jealousy, or a negative attitude.