go to the restroom
Use the facilities
Go to the restroom is a polite euphemism for urinating or defecating: Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom.
The phrase serves social purposes—announcing a brief absence or asking permission in formal settings.
Children learn it as the acceptable way to express bodily needs: May I go to the restroom?
The actual destination may be a bathroom, toilet, or outdoors.
- outhouseDetached backyard toilet
- freshen upBrief self-grooming session
- toiletWaste disposal fixture
- peeUrinate, informally
- excuse meApology for minor intrusion
step outside · take a break · see a man about a horse · nature calls · answer the call · use the restroom · wash my hands · use the toilet · lavatory · loo · urinal · latrine · discretion · leak · commode · defecate · bladder · tissue paper