Showing results for in the doghouse. Search instead for in the adjacent house.

Synonyms

in the doghouse

Cultural

Temporarily out of favor or in trouble: “Tyrone forgot his wife's anniversary, and now he's really in the doghouse.”

in the doghouse Idioms

In disfavor, in trouble, as in Jane knew that forgetting the check would put her in the doghouse. This expression alludes to relegating a dog that misbehaves to its outdoor kennel. [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

in the doghouse

Tech is a big reason why small-caps have been in the doghouse for so long.

From Barron's ● Mar. 12, 2026

The world’s only remaining $4 trillion company has actually been a bit in the doghouse with investors.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 25, 2026

This bold outburst – a clear embarrassment to Cheryl – lands Larry in the doghouse.

From Salon ● Mar. 10, 2024

I am in the doghouse after letting him get out and am installing self-closing springs on the gate.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 28, 2023

He heard one of the dogs, out in the doghouse, scratching a flea and bumping his elbow against the floor with every stroke.

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

in the doghouse

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words