that old dog won't hunt
that old dog won't hunt
old-fashioned Primarily heard in US.
1. That claim, argument, or explanation is inaccurate or unfounded. My opponent claims that my administration has hurt the economy, but you only have to glance at the statistics to know that old dog won't hunt. A: "Our company could have really been successful if you hadn't held us back like that!" B: "Come off it, Jack, that old dog won't hunt. I've done all I could to make this company a success, and you know it."
2. That idea or proposal is not viable or has no chance of succeeding; that won't work. A: "Why don't we try lowering the price?" B: "Nah, that old dog won't hunt. We need something that grabs people's attention, not just a cheaper product." Tom wants to sue them, but that old dog won't hunt if you ask me. They've got enough money to hire the best legal team in the country.
See also: dog, hunt, old, that
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- (Well,) I'll be durned!
- a bad quarter of an hour
- a pile Jack Rice couldn't jump over
- a roll Jack Rice couldn't jump over
- (for) land('s) sake(s) (alive)
- a bit of crackling
- a whole team and the dog under the wagon
- a stuffed shirt
- fashion
- a dusty answer