that dog don't hunt

pseudo-country-bumpkin wisdom uttered in response to news item or rumor designed to scandalize a political opponent.

The idea is that the rumor is either very easily refuted or is unimportant to the public, and thus is as worthless as a dog who won't hunt.
Bush is trying to spread rumors about Kerry's Vietnam record but that dog won't hunt.
by cnorton April 01, 2004
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