What does it mean to throw a dead dog? - briefly
The phrase "to throw a dead dog" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone is attempting to revive or improve a hopeless or failing endeavor. It suggests a futile effort to salvage something that is already beyond redemption. Such an attempt is often seen as pointless and unlikely to succeed.
This idiom is commonly used in business and personal endeavors to describe scenarios where significant resources are being invested in a project or relationship that has little chance of recovery. For example:
- A company continuing to invest in a failing product line.
- An individual trying to salvage a broken relationship that has no prospect of improvement.
- A politician attempting to revive a damaged reputation.
The expression underscores the idea of persistence in the face of clear evidence that success is improbable. It serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of recognizing when to abandon a lost cause and redirect efforts towards more viable opportunities.
What does it mean to throw a dead dog? - in detail
The phrase "to throw a dead dog" is an idiomatic expression that originates from American politics, particularly from the political strategies of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The term refers to a political tactic where a politician introduces an extremely unpopular proposal or idea with the intention of making other, less radical proposals seem more acceptable by comparison.
Historically, the phrase is attributed to Lyndon B. Johnson, who was known for his shrewd political maneuvers. The idea is that if a politician presents a proposal that is so unpalatable or extreme that it is likely to be rejected outright, any subsequent proposals will appear more reasonable and moderate in comparison. This tactic is often used to shift public opinion or to gain support for policies that might otherwise face resistance.
The strategy behind throwing a dead dog involves several steps:
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Introduction of the Extreme Proposal: The politician introduces a highly unpopular or extreme proposal. This proposal is designed to be so off-putting that it is almost certain to be rejected.
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Public Reaction: The public and other political figures react negatively to the extreme proposal, often voicing strong opposition.
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Introduction of the Moderate Proposal: After the extreme proposal has been soundly rejected, the politician then introduces a more moderate proposal. This proposal, while still potentially controversial, is presented as a compromise or a more reasonable alternative to the extreme proposal.
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Shift in Perception: The public and political opponents, having rejected the extreme proposal, may now view the moderate proposal as a more acceptable solution. The contrast between the two proposals can make the moderate proposal seem more palatable.
This tactic is not limited to politics and can be observed in various negotiation scenarios, including business and personal negotiations. The underlying principle is that by presenting an extreme position first, one can influence the perception of subsequent, less extreme positions. By demonstrating the rejection of the extreme proposal, the negotiator can create a framework where the more moderate proposal appears to be a reasonable compromise.
In summary, throwing a dead dog is a strategic maneuver used to influence perceptions and gain support for policies or proposals that might otherwise face significant resistance. It relies on the contrast between an extreme, unpopular proposal and a more moderate one to shift public opinion and facilitate agreement.