see a man about a dog

1. Excuse oneself without giving the real reason for leaving, especially to go to the toilet or have an alcoholic drink. For example, Excuse me, I have to see a man about a dog. This euphemistic term dates from the Prohibition days of the 1920s, when buying liquor was illegal, and, after repeal, was transferred to other circumstances.

Example Sentences

After she joined Mr. Cotter and the driver to stand in front of the car — they raised one fist in the air, then the other and then both to lyrics that included, “God is a Catholic man from Creggan” — her mates abandoned her, driving off as Mr. Cotter muttered something about having to “see a man about a dog.”

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Have been sitting here wondering whether I dare 'go see a man about a dog'.

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“That chili’s kicking in. I gotta see a man about a dog first.”

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A huge generalisation I know, but anything that was hush hush, was a little suspicious or was offered as a reason for absence was "Oh, I had/have to see a man about a dog."

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"I've got to see a man about a dog myself."

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