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. ¹,²,³,⁴

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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. ⁵

More Idioms Starting with I

• I Could Murder (A Food/Drink)
• It’s All Good
• In One’s Face
• Iron Out
• If I Had My Druthers

More Animal Idioms

• Copycat
• Scaredy-Cat
• Play Cat and Mouse
• Look What the Cat Dragged In
• Down the Rabbit Hole
• Beat a Dead Horse

More Dog Idioms

• I’m Going to See a Man About a Horse (Dog, Duck) Meaning
• Dog Eat Dog

More House Idioms

• Household Name
• Built Like a Brick Shithouse

More In Idioms

• In The Pink
• Sleep In
• In the Black
• In the Red
• Go In One Ear and Out the Other

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References

1. Bengelsdorf, Peter. Idioms in the News – 1,000 Phrases, Real Examples. N.p.: Amz Digital Services, 2012.
2. Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.
3. Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010.
4. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
5. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.