Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom.

Dog in the manger

  1. an undersized bull almost the shape of a dog

  2. a dog that has no kennel of its own

  3. a person who puts himself in difficulties on account of other people

  4. a person who prevents others from enjoying
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

'A dog in the manger' describes a person who selfishly prevents others from using or enjoying something that they themselves cannot use or do not need. The fable tells of a dog that sleeps in a manger filled with hay, preventing the hungry oxen from eating the hay even though the dog cannot eat it himself. It refers to selfish, obstructive behavior.

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