See a man about a dog

Definitions

to excuse oneself to attend to a private or personal matter, often euphemistically
Used as a polite way to avoid giving specific details about one's plans or intentions
to avoid answering a question or giving a direct response
Used as a humorous or evasive way to deflect a request for information

Examples of See a man about a dog

I need to excuse myself for a few minutes. I have to see a man about a dog.

This is a well-known idiom that is often used as a polite way to explain a sudden absence. The literal meaning is that the speaker needs to speak to a man regarding a matter concerning a dog, but in reality, it is used as a euphemism to indicate that the person needs to take care of a personal matter that they do not want to disclose.
I'm afraid I can't discuss this any further right now. I have to go see a man about a dog.

In this example, the person is using the idiom to politely decline further discussion on the current topic. It implies that the matter they need to attend to is confidential or urgent and they cannot reveal any more details.
I'm not able to join you for lunch today. I have to see a man about a dog.

This example shows the flexibility of the idiom. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as declining an invitation, apologizing for leaving unexpectedly, or simply explaining a brief absence from a conversation or meeting.
I'm going to be late for our meeting. I'll have to catch up with you later. I have to see a man about a dog.

This example demonstrates that the phrase can be used in a casual and conversational way. It allows the speaker to politely excuse themselves without causing confusion or raising suspicion about their true intentions. By using this idiom, the speaker can preserve confidentiality and avoid disclosing sensitive information.
"I need to leave the party now, I have to see a man about a dog."

This is a common use of the idiom "see a man about a dog" that means "I have to leave; I have something to attend to, even though I'm not being specific about it." In this case, the person is saying they have to leave the party but can't give a specific reason, so they use this idiom as an excuse.
"The salesman promised me he could sell me this product, but I need to see a man about a dog before I make a decision."

This use of the idiom is less common and can indicate that the person is unsure about something or needs to gather more information before making a decision. In this case, the person is saying they're considering buying a product, but they want to follow up with someone else before committing.
"My friend suggested I see a man about a dog regarding my job search."

This use of the idiom suggests that the person has received advice from someone about how to go about finding a job, but they're not specifying who that person is. It's another way to say that someone has suggested they do something, but they're not saying who.
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to see a man about a dog at this point in the discussion."

This use of the idiom is more humorous and lighthearted than the others. It's a way to end a discussion or conversation politely without being too blunt. In this case, the person is saying they have to leave the discussion, but they're doing it in a way that's less direct than saying, "I have to go now."

Conclusion

The idiom "see a man about a dog" can be used in two main ways. It can be used to excuse oneself to attend to a private matter without giving specific details, or it can be used to avoid answering a question or giving a direct response. In both cases, it is often used as a polite or humorous way to deflect attention or avoid revealing personal information.

Origin of "See a man about a dog"

The origin of the idiom "see a man about a dog" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. One theory suggests that it may have originated as a way to politely excuse oneself to go to the bathroom, using the idea of seeing a man about a dog as a cover. Another theory suggests that it may have originated as a humorous way to avoid giving a direct answer to a question, using the idea of a man and a dog as a vague and nonsensical response. Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom has become a common and lighthearted way to avoid giving specific details or answering a question directly. Examples of its usage can be found in literature and popular culture throughout the years.