dog in the manger
Grudging possessive type
A dog in the manger is someone who prevents others from enjoying something they cannot or will not use themselves.
The phrase comes from Aesop's fable of a dog lying in a manger full of hay, snapping at hungry cattle though dogs don't eat hay.
He won't sell the car, but he won't let his brother drive it either—a real dog in the manger.
- Aesop's fablesAncient Greek moral stories
- spoilsportOne who dampens others' enjoyment
- party pooperOne who dampens merriment
- self-seekerOne pursuing only personal advantage
- sourpussHabitually sullen person
bad sport · wet blanket · killjoy · road hog · withholding · possessiveness · gatekeeping · ox · careerist · sour grapes · egotist · begrudging · mean spirited · Aesop · obstructionism · in the way · grouch · fable
dog in the mangerbenefactor
One who gives aid
magnanimous · open-handed · generous · philanthropist · altruist
dog in the mangergracious
Pleasantly kind and courteous
benevolent · supportive · facilitator · enabler · well-wisher
dog in the mangerbenevolent
Desiring others' welfare
altruistic · kind-hearted · well-wisher · sympathetic · considerate
dogged, mangy, manger, doggerel, doggone, dogging, doge, mange, doggish