Slang definitions & phrases for see a man about a dog
see a man about a horse
verb phrase
To take one's leave for some urgent purpose, esp to go to the bathroom or in earlier times to go have a drink or to meet one's bootlegger • usually a smiling apology for one's departure; a bland euphemism to conceal one's true purpose (1927+)
Idioms and Phrases with see a man about a dog
see a man about a dog
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.