In the doghouse
Meaning: In trouble; in disfavour with someone.
Being 'in the doghouse' means being in trouble—particularly with a spouse or partner. Like being banished to sleep outside with the dog.
Examples
- He forgot their anniversary—he's in the doghouse. 他忘了结婚纪念日——他倒了大霉了。Se olvidó de su aniversario: está en la perrera.記念日を忘れた——彼は犬小屋行きだ。기념일을 잊어버렸다——그는 완전 찍혔다.
- I'm in the doghouse with my boss. 我让老板不高兴了。Estoy en el punto de mira de mi jefe.上司に嫌われている。상사한테 미움을 사고 있다.
- What did you do to end up in the doghouse? 你干了什么才落到这步田地?¿Qué has hecho para acabar en la perrera?何をしたら犬小屋行きになったの?뭘 했길래 그렇게 찍힌 거야?
Pronunciation
/ɪn ðə ˈdɒɡhaʊs/
Usage Guide
Context: relationships, trouble, disfavour
Tone: rueful, humorous
✓ Do Say
- In the doghouse惹了麻烦estar castigado犬小屋行き=怒られている찍혀 있다
- He's in the doghouse他惹麻烦了está castigado彼は怒られている그는 미움을 사고 있다
Common Mistakes
- Often about romantic/domestic trouble
Origin & History
The image of being sent to sleep in the doghouse as punishment. Popularised by J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan, where Mr. Darling sleeps in the doghouse as penance.
Etymology: Banished to the dog's house as punishment
First recorded: J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan (1911)
Cultural Context
Era: Peter Pan 1911 onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Peter Pan; J.M. Barrie
Regional notes: English-language universal.
Variations
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