A metaphor for a hostile environment or situation that deters people from approaching, or for a state of affairs where capable individuals are prevented from contributing due to the presence of harmful elements or incompetent management.
这家店虽然商品很好，但是店员态度很差，真是狗猛酒酸，让顾客望而却步
Although this shop has excellent products, the staff's poor attitude truly embodies the idiom 'fierce dog, sour wine,' deterring customers from even approaching.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, a vintner in the State of Song was very meticulous about his reputation. His business grew, and the wine he brewed became increasingly fine.
He kept a dog to guard his shop. However, gradually, his wine stopped selling, accumulating more and more until it turned sour.
He asked a man named Yang Qian what the reason was. Yang Qian replied, "Your dog is too fierce; people are afraid of it and dare not come to buy your wine."
Next Idiom