In the Doghouse

Meaning of Idiom ‘In the Dog House’

When someone is in the doghouse, someone else is angry, annoyed, irritated, or displeased with them; to be in trouble, disfavor, or disgrace. ¹Bengelsdorf, Peter. Idioms in the News – 1,000 Phrases, Real Examples. N.p.: Amz Digital Services, 2012.,²Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.,³Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010.,⁴Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.

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Usage

Usually, a person is in the doghouse as a result of something they did. Often, the idiom is used to refer to a husband who has annoyed his wife.

Examples of Use

“If my wife finds out I was playing poker with my friends instead of working late, I’ll be in the doghouse for sure.”

“I can’t pay the rent late again. I’m already in the doghouse with my landlord.”

“Looks like I’m in the doghouse. The boss caught me coming in late again.”

Origin

The idiom alludes to a dog being punished for bad behavior by being banished to its outdoor kennel rather than being allowed to stay in the house. In use since around 1900. ⁵Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.

More Idioms Starting with I

• I’m Your Huckleberry
• In For It (or Something), to be
• In the Worst Way
• Ivory Tower
• It’s A Small World

More Animal Idioms

• Till the Cows Come Home
• Night Owl
• Chicken Out
• Holy Cow
• No Spring Chicken
• Crocodile Tears

More Dog Idioms

• Dog Eat Dog

More House Idioms

• Built Like a Brick Shithouse

More In Idioms

• Have Someone in the Palm of One’s Hand
• Last One In is a Rotten Egg
• Runs in the Family
• Day In And Day Out
• In For It (or Something), to be

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