# see a man about a dog

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/see-a-man-about-a-dog
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- I need to leave for a moment to see a man about a dog.
- I will be right back; I must see a man about a dog.
- Wait here while I go see a man about a dog.
- He stood up during the meeting, mumbled that he had to see a man about a dog, and walked out.
- If you excuse me for a moment, I have to see a man about a dog before our dinner arrives.
- She slipped away from the party, telling her friends she had to see a man about a dog in the lobby.
- My brother winked at me and headed toward the back of the pub, saying he needed to see a man about a dog.
- Rather than explaining his sudden need for privacy, he simply excused himself, claiming he had to see a man about a dog.

## Origin

The origin is unknown, though during the Prohibition era the expression was used as a coded reference to the acquisition of alcohol. In this context, the phrase was likely influenced by the earlier idiom hair of the dog.

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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.