that dog won't hunt

Etymology
Apparently originating from the southern United States, the phrase may refer to a hunting dog that refuses to do its job.

Phrase

 * 1)  That idea will not work; that is an inadequate explanation or proposition.
 * 2) * [1965,, The Liberation of Lord Byron Jones, Boston, Mass.: , 291992 ; republished as The Liberation of L. B. Jones (Signet Novel; Y4209), New York, N.Y.: , 1967,  29459320 , page 41:
 * "Calling her house help Mr. and Mrs. just won't get it! That old dog won't hunt," Oman had confided. / "I know, but let her discover it herself," Steve had said.]
 * "Calling her house help Mr. and Mrs. just won't get it! That old dog won't hunt," Oman had confided. / "I know, but let her discover it herself," Steve had said.]