I must see a man about a dog
I have to go to the toilet
TRANSLATION
I must see a man about a dog = ich muss schnell etwas (Privates) erledigen
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
I respect the needs of others in my family by taking only one section of the newspaper with me whenever I SEE A MAN ABOUT A DOG.
(The Washington Post)
---
In those days everyone rode the train, whether it was only to the next town to SEE A MAN ABOUT A DOG or clear across the country to transact very important business.
(Los Angeles Times)
Did you
know?
to see a man about a dog
colloquialism
- someone might say they have to see a man about a dog when they do not want to tell you what they are really doing, especially when they are going to the toilet
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
---
When someone says that they are going to see a man about a dog they really mean they don't want to reveal the true nature of their business.
The expression originated from the 1866 play "Flying Scud, " in which one of the characters uses the phrase as an excuse to get away from a tricky situation.
There was a time when the expression generally meant one of three things:
1. I have to go to the toilet
2. I'm going to get a drink
3. I'm going to visit my mistress
These days it usually refers to going to the toilet, but it can also be used if you simply don't want to explain where you are going.
---
Practice OWAD in a conversation
"I'll be back in a minute, I must SEE A MAN ABOUT A DOG."
