I will be back soon; I need to see a man about a horse.
see a man about a horse
idiomUsed in place of a real explanation when excusing oneself for a short period of time, particularly to use a toilet.
Origin
disputed originA variant of see a man about a dog, from the implied context of seeing someone about a bet on a horse race.
Excuse me for a moment while I see a man about a horse, but I will return shortly.
He offered a vague smile and muttered that he had to see a man about a horse, leaving the guests to wonder where he had vanished.
- 01
be a man
To put up with something or take responsibility for it; to deal with something, such as pain or misfortune, without complaining.
- 02
be one's own man
To behave independently without the influence of others.
- 03
be the bigger man
To walk away from a conflict to prevent it from escalating.
- 04
beat a dead horse
To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.
- 05
boldly go where no man has gone before
To break new ground.
- 06
broken man
A man who has suffered significant and enduring emotional pain as a result of a highly unpleasant or traumatic event.
- 07
change horses in midstream
To change one's plan or approach when an effort is already underway or at another inopportune time.
- 08
charley horse
A muscle cramp, usually a strong one, in the thigh, leg, arm, or core.
Last updated April 17, 2026