What are the phraseological units like a dog in the manger in the dictionary? - briefly
The phrase "like a dog in the manger" is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone who prevents others from enjoying something despite not wanting or being able to use it themselves. In dictionaries, this phrase is often defined as a metaphor for selfishness and envy, with the manger symbolizing a desired resource or benefit.
What are the phraseological units like a dog in the manger in the dictionary? - in detail
The phraseological unit "like a dog in the manger" is a well-established idiomatic expression that has been documented in various dictionaries of idioms and proverbs, each providing insight into its meaning, usage, and origins.
In the Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms, this phrase is defined as follows: "like a dog in the manger" means to prevent others from enjoying something even though one does not want it for oneself. The dictionary also offers an example sentence to illustrate its usage: "He was like a dog in the manger, refusing to let anyone else have the job he didn't want." This entry highlights the negative connotation associated with the phrase, emphasizing the selfish and obstructive behavior it describes.
The Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms provides a similar definition but adds that the expression is often used in situations where someone is unreasonably preventing others from having or doing something. It also notes the historical context of the phrase, tracing its origins back to Aesop's fables and explaining how it has been adapted into modern English usage.
The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English offers a concise yet comprehensive definition: "like a dog in the manger" means to stop someone else from having or doing something that you cannot have or do yourself, even though you do not want it. This entry also includes an example sentence for clarity: "She's like a dog in the manger—she can't use the car herself, but she won't let anyone else borrow it either."
In Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage, the phrase is discussed within the broader context of idiomatic expressions that involve animals. The entry explains that the phrase originated from an ancient fable in which a dog lying in a manger prevents the horses from eating the hay stored there. This dictionary emphasizes the metaphorical use of the expression to describe human behavior, noting its prevalence in both literary and everyday language.
Overall, dictionaries consistently define "like a dog in the manger" as an idiom that describes someone who selfishly prevents others from enjoying something they themselves do not want or cannot have. These references provide valuable context for understanding the phrase's historical roots, its contemporary usage, and the nuanced behavior it seeks to critique.