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The idiom “in the doghouse” originated in America and refers to being in disgrace with someone important. It is often used in romantic relationships or work situations. The phrase creates a visual image and humorously describes the situation. However, it is not a permanent state and can be resolved with restitution.
The phrase “in the doghouse” is a figure of speech with its roots in the English language. More specifically, this idiom is American in origin and usually refers to currently being in disgrace with someone important. As with all idioms, the application of this phrase is an example of colorful language that conjures up a powerful and vivid image to describe a situation.
Figures of speech like this try to create a visual image that expresses the degree of emotion present in a given situation, while still retaining a small amount of humor. In American culture, the phrase has a particular meaning, due to the fact that dogs are sometimes banned from homes when they misbehave. Instead of staying inside with pet owners, the dog must seek shelter in a kennel in the back yard until the owners decide to allow the pet back into the house.
It is possible to be in the doghouse in a number of different situations. Most commonly, the phrase is applied to a time of discord between romantic partners. A spouse who repeatedly fails to arrive home at a reasonable hour each evening, for example, may be unfavorable. Eventually, the other person in the relationship may decide that this is no longer a tolerable circumstance and take action to express their displeasure. This may include informing the offending partner that they will be temporarily barred from sharing a bedroom with the offending party. Consequently, the offending party has to seek refuge elsewhere.
Employees may also be in the doghouse with a supervisor or manager. Again, this usually occurs because the individual has failed to meet the expectations or wishes of the other party in the business relationship. Even if disgraced, the employee may receive some type of disciplinary action, lose the option of a promotion or raise, or lose privileges until the manager’s confidence is restored.
There is probably no human relationship that does not experience this phenomenon. Disobedient children fall out of favor with frustrated parents. City officials may choose actions that cause citizens to lose faith in their leadership, putting them in trouble with their own constituency. Even friends sometimes let each other down.
Fortunately, this idiom does not refer to a permanent state. In most cases, the offending party can make some kind of restitution and once again be in the good graces of the offending party.
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