From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search The story and metaphor of "The Dog in the Manger" derives from an old Greek fable which has been transmitted in several different versions. Interpreted variously over the centuries, the metaphor is now used to speak of those who spitefully prevent others from having something that they themselves have no use for. Although the story was ascribed to Aesop's Fables in the 15th century, there is no ancient source that does so.

That's an expression describing a person who doesn't need something but won't let the others use or take it. Someone egoistic, willing to be better and have more than other people and thus causing them to waste their opportunities. You can find its origin in wikipedia. 'Real' makes it stronger, it's originally not the part of the adage.