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see a man about a dog
see a man about a dog
Fig. to leave for some unmentioned purpose. (Often refers to going to the rest room.) I don't know where Tom went. He said he had to see a man about a dog. When John said he was going to see a man about a dog, I thought he would be gone for only a minute.
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.
see a man about a dog
tv. to leave a place for a mysterious reason, usually to go to the toilet. Fred went to see a man about a dog. I hope he remembers to put the seat down.