See a man about a dog facts for kids
To see a man about a dog (or sometimes a horse or duck) is a special phrase, called an idiom. People use it, especially in British English, when they need to leave quickly but don't want to say exactly where they are going or why. It's a polite way to keep your plans a secret. Sometimes, it means you're going to do something a bit mischievous or private.
What Does This Secret Phrase Mean?
This idiom is a kind of euphemism. A euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. When someone says, "I need to see a man about a dog," they are usually trying to hide their real reason for leaving.
- It's a polite way to say, "I'm leaving, but it's private."
- It often suggests you're going to do something you don't want to explain.
- The phrase helps you avoid awkward questions about your plans.
Where Did This Phrase Come From?
The first time this phrase was written down was in a play from 1866 called Flying Scud. The play was written by Dion Boucicault. In the play, a character uses the phrase to get out of a tricky situation without explaining himself. He says, "Excuse me Mr. Quail, I can't stop; I've got to see a man about a dog." This line became very famous from the play!
How the Phrase Was Used in History
Long ago, the phrase might have been used to talk about placing a bet on a race, perhaps a dog race or horse race. It was a way to hint at what you were doing without saying it directly.
Later, during a time in the United States called Prohibition, when certain activities were not allowed, people used this phrase a lot. It became a common way to secretly talk about going to do something that was against the rules at the time. It was all about keeping things quiet and private.
