Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

be-in-the-doghouse

Idiomatic Expression

/biː ɪn ðə ˈdɔːɡˌhaʊs/

Definition

To be in trouble or to have fallen out of favor with someone, especially after doing something wrong or undesirable.

Examples

After forgetting their anniversary, John found himself in the doghouse with his wife.
She was really in the doghouse after she canceled their dinner plans at the last minute.
He made a big mistake at work, and now he’s definitely in the doghouse with his boss.

Meaning

When someone is said to be ‘in the doghouse’, it means they are in a situation where they are disliked or in trouble, often due to their own actions that have upset someone else.