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Synonyms

in the doghouse

Cultural  

  1. 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  

  1. 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.

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

I had the impression he was angry, disappointed, and a little hurt, and that I was in the doghouse for my lack of understanding.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.