I'm gonna kick my dog - A fake threat you use to make yourself feel better when you'

A fake threat you use to make yourself feel better when you're having a bad day. You're not even close to hitting your dog.

I'm gonna kick my dog because my car broke down and I'm late to work.

I'm gonna kick my dog because my dog just peed on my shoes again.

I'm gonna kick my dog because I forgot my lunch and now I'm hungry.