The idiom "go see a man about a dog" is a slang phrase that means to excuse oneself from a current situation or conversation to attend to a personal matter, usually of a private or confidential nature.
The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s. Some say it was used as a code phrase for men to excuse themselves to go place bets on dog races, while others believe it was simply a way to avoid revealing the true nature of one's business.
In modern usage, the phrase is often used humorously or sarcastically to indicate that the speaker needs to leave for a personal reason, but does not want to disclose the details. For example, if someone is in a meeting and needs to use the restroom, they might say "Excuse me, I need to go see a man about a dog."
Overall, the phrase "go see a man about a dog" is a lighthearted and informal way to excuse oneself from a situation without revealing too much information.
• I have to leave the party early, I promised someone I'd go see a man about a dog.
• Excuse me, I'll be back in a bit, I have to go see a man about a dog.
• Sorry, I can't join the meeting now, I have to go see a man about a dog.
• After months of searching, she finally found the perfect dog breeder and went to see the man about a dog.
• The politician left the press conference abruptly, stating that he had to go see a man about a dog, but everyone knew he was avoiding the tough questions.
• He told his wife he was going to see a man about a dog, but in reality, he was going to a bar with his friends.