ENGLISH
REFERENCE

could not get elected dogcatcher

idiom
Meaning

Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.


Origin

disputed origin

Dogcatchers are virtually never elected to their posts; the phrase is hyperbole, using dogcatcher to indicate the most lowly conceivable office.

Examples
SIMPLE

That politician is so unpopular he could not get elected dogcatcher.

CONTEXTUAL

After the scandal ruined his reputation, the mayor realized he could not get elected dogcatcher in his own hometown.

COMPLEX

Despite his long history in the party, his recent failures were so public that even his closest allies admitted he could not get elected dogcatcher.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  2. 02

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

  3. 03

    five will get you ten

    I strongly believe.

  4. 04

    get a charge out of

    To derive excitement, entertainment, or pleasure from.

  5. 05

    get a clue

    To become aware of the obvious reality of a situation, often used as a command to indicate frustration

  6. 06

    get a fix

    To obtain something necessary, especially a dose of an addictive drug or anything else compulsively sought after.

  7. 07

    get a grip

    To come to one's senses and become more rational after having experienced a strong emotion.

  8. 08

    get a kick out of

    To be delighted by; to be amused by.

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