English Explanatory Dictionary

that dog won't hunt

English dictionary entry

Meanings

phrase
  1. That idea will not work; that is an inadequate explanation or proposition.

Pronunciation

/ðæt ˈdɒɡ wəʊnt ˈhʌnt/ /ðət-/ /ðæt ˈdɔɡ woʊnt ˈhʌnt/ en-au-that dog won't hunt.ogg

Word forms

that dog won't hunt that dog don't hunt

Etymology

Apparently originating from the southern United States, the phrase may refer to a hunting dog that refuses to do its job.

Synonyms

that cock won't fight that old dog won't hunt that dog don't run
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