What is the idea behind her expression that if I cannot win ,he deserves no win either?

Question

What is the idea behind her expression that if I cannot win ,he deserves no win either?

Answer 1

A Scorched Earth policy - you spoil things so that the winner will not enjoy their victory anyway. (So they then have what is called a Pyrrhic Victory; where they may win the battle but lose the war, lol).

Answer 2

thats a clumsy expression.

'dog in a manger',

expresses the same sentiment,

is already established as an expression

and 'flows' much easier

I would have thought that "the idea behind" it was pretty much obvious

Answer 3

Revenge, payback, sour grapes.