# look for a dog to kick

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/look-for-a-dog-to-kick
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To seek someone or something to blame.

## Examples

- He is angry and looks for a dog to kick.
- After his boss yelled at him, he went home and looked for a dog to kick by arguing with his roommate.
- The politician, frustrated by his failing campaign, looked for a dog to kick among his staff to avoid taking responsibility for the defeat.

## Origin

The expression refers to a displacement of frustration onto those perceived as unable to defend themselves, specifically dogs. It describes a search for a target of convenience to endure a redirected vent of anger.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.