# could not get elected dogcatcher

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/could-not-get-elected-dogcatcher
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- That politician is so unpopular he could not get elected dogcatcher.
- Everyone dislikes the new manager; he could not get elected dogcatcher.
- After the scandal ruined his reputation, the mayor realized he could not get elected dogcatcher in his own hometown.
- The candidate's new tax plan was so hated by the public that his own campaign manager joked he could not get elected dogcatcher.
- After he lied to his neighbors about the construction project, the man realized he could not get elected dogcatcher in his local community.
- 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.

## Origin

The phrase utilizes hyperbole to designate a municipal role perceived as the lowest conceivable public office. As the position of dogcatcher is virtually never an elected post, the expression suggests a candidate so thoroughly unpopular that they would fail to secure even a non-existent mandate for a menial task.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.