English

Verb

see a man about a horse

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

   I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail. I've just got to visit the ladies' room to see a man about a horse.

Related terms

• see a man about a dog
• see a man

References

• (Etymology).
• Ayto, John. Oxford Slang. 1998.
• Farmer, J.S. and W.E. Henley. Slang and its Analogues. 1986.
• Chapman, Robert L. Dictionary of American Slang. 1995.
• Matthews, Mitford M. A Dictionary of Americanisms. 1951.
• Spears, Richard A. Slang and Euphemism. 1981.
• Spears, Richard A. The Slang and Jargon of Drugs and Drink. 1986.