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what does the phrase going to see a man about a horse mean

by Winnifred Kozey Published 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago

To “ see a man about a horse ” is a polite way of removing yourself from a social engagement without causing a fuss to the people around you. We’ve all had the experience of telling your friends it’s time to go and their reaction of imploring you to stay.

To see a man about a dog or horse is a British English idiom, usually used as a way to apologise for one's imminent departure or absence, generally to euphemistically conceal one's true purpose, such as going to use the bathroom or going to buy a drink.

Full Answer

See a Man About a Horse Meaning

To “ see a man about a horse ” is a polite way of removing yourself from a social engagement without causing a fuss to the people around you. We’ve all had the experience of telling your friends it’s time to go and their reaction of imploring you to stay.

See a Man About a Horse Example Usage

There are plenty of ways you can use “ see a man about a horse ” in conversation. Here are a few examples.

See a Man About a Horse Origin

The earliest recorded use of the term comes from the 1866 play by Dion Boucicault, the “ Flying Scud .” One of the characters wrangles himself out of a situation by stating, “ I’ve got to see a man about a dog .” This phrase later formed the more popular version of “ I need to see a man about a horse .”

Ways People May Say See a Man About a Horse Incorrectly

Some people may use the phrase incorrectly or in the wrong scenario. The idiom is only suitable for use in an informal setting, not in formal situations.

Acceptable Ways to Phrase See a Man About a Horse

The idiom refers to making an excuse to vacate the premises, area, or group without causing more drama with the crowd.

What does "see a man about a horse" mean?

see a man about a horse. To leave somewhere without explaining where one is going, but usually used as an obvious euphemism for going to the toilet or getting an alcoholic drink. And that's why quantum physics is a hoax. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go see a man about a horse.

What does "see" mean?

see (someone or something) in a new light. see (someone or something) with a jaundiced eye. see (someone's) point. see (something) a mile off. see (something) against (something else) see (something) coming. see (something) through. see (something) through rose-colored glasses.

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