go to see a man about a dog

== English == === Etymology === Unknown. As a Prohibition-era reference to getting alcohol, influenced by the expression hair of the dog. === Pronunciation === === Verb === see a man about a dog (third-person singular simple present sees a man about a dog, present participle seeing a man about a dog, simple past saw a man about a dog, past participle seen a man about a dog) (idiomatic, dated) Used in place of a real explanation when excusing oneself for a short period of time, particularly (euphemistic) to use the toilet or (historical) drink alcohol. ==== Synonyms ==== (all senses): see a man, see a man about a horse (use the toilet): see a man about the plumbing, see also use the toilet, Thesaurus:urinate, and Thesaurus:defecate