# not enough to hang a dog on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/not-enough-to-hang-a-dog-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Of evidence, not strong or compelling; with very little or insubstantial evidence.

## Examples

- The evidence against him is not enough to hang a dog on.
- The police dropped the case because the clues they found were not enough to hang a dog on.
- Although the detective suspected the butler, the information gathered during the initial investigation was simply not enough to hang a dog on, forcing him to look for more proof.

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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.