Learn English – Meaning and origin of “That dog don’t hunt”

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Is That dog don't hunt an American slang expression? What does it mean exactly and where does it originate? If possible, please give some examples.

Best Answer

According to the Phrase Finder:

It's modelled on the 17th-18th century phrase "that cock won't fight". In the days of cock-fighting, a cock that wouldn't fight when out into the pit was a natural metaphor for a plan or theory that simply wouldn't work. A similar sporting metaphor from horse-racing is used when we say that a plan or theory "isn't a runner".

source

You use the phrase to describe an idea which won't work. It's a prediction of failure.

Example:

Person A: I heard you are going to ask Jane out on Friday.
Person B: I was going to ask her out, but after I found out she's seeing someone, I decided not to. That dog won't hunt.

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