have a dog in the race
Vested in outcome
To have a dog in the race is to have a stake in the outcome of a competition or dispute.
The image is of dog racing, where owners care about results only if their dog is running.
Someone with no dog in the race can offer impartial judgment: I have no dog in this race, so I'll tell you what I really think.
Also phrased as have a dog in the fight or have a horse in the race.
- skin in the gamePersonal risk in outcome
- vested interestPersonal stake in outcome
- stakeSharpened post or share
- contestOrganized competitive event
- all-inFully committed, nothing held back
concern · buy-in · engagement · rooting interest · rooting for · attachment · rivalry · race · anticipation · match · tournament · showdown · winner take all · passion · dedication · in the running · duel · head-to-head
have a dog in the racedisinterested
Free from personal stakes
uninvested · detached · indifferent · unconcerned · unaffected
have a dog in the raceimpartial
Showing no preference
neutral · unbiased · objective · dispassionate · even-handed