dog in the manger

The phrase "dog in the manger" refers to a person who selfishly prevents others from enjoying or benefiting from something, even though they have no use for it themselves. The phrase originated from an ancient fable about a dog lying in a manger filled with hay, growling at other animals who wanted to eat from it, despite the fact that the dog had no intention of eating the hay. Thus, it is used to describe individuals who withhold or obstruct things from others simply out of spite or possessiveness.