in the doghouse

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

Idioms and Phrases

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

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

From Salon

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

From Seattle Times

Most of my memories have to do with the not-inconsiderable time I spent in the doghouse for writing things she didn’t like, including a piece early in her Senate career on how she was rapidly chewing through staff.

From Los Angeles Times

Gingee is not in the doghouse, though, and she's even become a viral sensation with thousands of followers and millions of views on Instagram and TikTok.

From BBC

U.S. energy companies have been focused on regaining favor with investors after years of overspending on production growth hurt returns and put them in the doghouse.

From Reuters

Related Words

• contemptible 
• despicable 
• shady 
• shameful 
• sordid 
• vile