see a man about a dog en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
Unknown. As a Prohibition-era reference to getting alcohol, influenced by the expression hair of the dog.
Meanings
-
(dated, idiomatic) Used in place of a real explanation when excusing oneself for a short period of time, particularly (euphemistic) to use the toilet or (historical) drink alcohol.
I'll be right back, but I've got to go to see a man about a dog.
“I’m running up tonight and on to York in the morning. I expect to get back on Thursday.” ”York?” ”Yes; I want to see a man there—about a dog, and all that.”
1935, Dorothy L. Sayers, Gaudy Night:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| seen a man about a dog | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| saw a man about a dog | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| sees a man about a dog | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| seeing a man about a dog | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic |
Synonyms
use the toilet · and Thesaurus:defecate · a man about the plumbing (use the toilet) · a man about a horse (all senses) · a man (all senses) · urinate