In the doghouse

Suggest a Correction

Meaning

In disgrace or out of favor, sidelined for a misstep.

Origin

From 20th-century America, tied to 'Peter Pan'; Barrie's 1904 play where Mr. Darling sleeps in the doghouse for neglect, slang by 1930s for disgrace. A 1932 film boosts it.

Variants

  • Doghouse

Usage Examples

  • Forgot her birthday; I'm in the doghouse now.
  • He's in the doghouse for spilling the secret.
  • She put me in the doghouse over that joke.

Browse More

A to Z More I phrases