English

Verb

see a man about a dog

1. (idiomatic, dated) Used in place of a real explanation when excusing oneself for a short period of time, particularly (euphemistic) to use a toilet or (historical) drink alcohol.

   I'll be right back, but I've got to go to the ladies' room to see a man about a dog.

Usage notes

Although almost any noun can be substituted in place of the dog, it now most commonly expressed as see a man about a horse with the implied context ...about a bet.

Derived terms

• see a man about a horse
• see a man