Dangle a carrot in front of (one) In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "dangle a carrot in front of (one)", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Zesty Y

2022-02-25 03:02

Meaning of Dangle a carrot in front of (one)

Synonyms:

offer someone a carrot

Dangle a carrot in front of (one) phrase

To try to coax someone into doing something by promising them a reward.

Whenever I want my wife to clean the house, I have to dangle a carrot in front of her.

When I was in primary school, my mom used to dangle a carrot in front of me to achieve the highest score in my class.

Stop dangling a carrot in front of me! I told you I wouldn't help you no matter what you gave me.

Grammar and Usage of Dangle a carrot in front of (one)

Verb Forms

dangled a carrot in front of (one)
dangling a carrot in front of (one)

The verb "dangle" must be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Dangle a carrot in front of (one)

This phrase comes from the idea of attaching a carrot to a stubborn donkey so that the carrot dangles about two feet in front of the donkey's face. As the carrot is just out of reach and the donkey is fond of carrots the donkey will move forward. The same principle works with people.

The Origin Cited: quora.com .