English

Adjective

in the doghouse

1. (idiomatic) In a situation of being the object of someone's anger or disapproval.
   • 1933 December 17, Will Rogers, "Noted Visitors at the Rogers Ranch," Milwaukee Journal, page 6:

     I had a mighty interesting visitor. It was the Crown Prince of Germany's son. […] He is a mighty likable young fellow, about 26 years old, the second son, but the oldest one married outside the thoroughbred pasture and now he is in the doghouse as far as any succession is concerned.

   • 1994, Karen Robards, Maggy's Child, ISBN 9780440208303, page 196:

     Nick was deep in the doghouse with Louella after three days of persistent phone calls and his final less-than-tactful message.

   • 2008 December 5, David Eddie, "My wife told me not to make a fuss on her 50th," Globe and Mail:

     He forgets his anniversary, he's in the doghouse, but he pulls out of it with a romantic (i.e. expensive) dinner.

Usage notes

• Frequently used to describe a situation in which one is experiencing the anger of a spouse or romantic partner.
• One can be "in someone's doghouse"; get or be put or "into the (or someone's) doghouse"; or get "out of the (or someone's) doghouse".
• To be "in the doghouse with X" usually means that X is angry at you, not that someone else is angry at you and X.

Synonyms

• in hot water

Translations