English Explanatory Dictionary

see a man about a dog

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. 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.

Pronunciation

En-au-see a man about a dog.ogg

Word forms

see a man about a dog sees a man about a dog seeing a man about a dog saw a man about a dog seen a man about a dog

Etymology

Unknown. As a Prohibition-era reference to getting alcohol, influenced by the expression hair of the dog.

Synonyms

a man a man about a horse a man about the plumbing use the toilet urinate and Thesaurus:defecate
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