- Meaning
- This idiom describes someone who is unemployed and receiving government financial assistance or welfare, often implying a state of economic hardship or dependency, as if living off ‘dole’ or charity. It conveys a condition of relying on public funds to survive, typically used in economic, social, or political contexts to discuss unemployment or social safety nets, sometimes with a stigma of idleness or misfortune. The phrase carries a tone of neutrality, sympathy, or mild judgment, depending on context, reflecting cultural attitudes toward welfare and the human struggle to maintain dignity amid financial distress. It resonates in societies with robust welfare systems, capturing the tension between support and self-reliance, and its historical roots add a layer of gravitas, evoking a long tradition of public aid. The idiom often implies a temporary or undesirable state, highlighting the challenges of economic instability.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in 14th-century England, rooted in the Old English term ‘dole,’ meaning a portion or charity, often linked to almsgiving or poor relief, as seen in medieval church records. Its modern use emerged in the early 20th century, tied to formalized unemployment benefits, with an early use in a 1919 *The Times* article, describing workers ‘on the dole’ after factory closures post-World War I. The idiom gained traction in 1920s Britain, reflecting the interwar economic crisis, as seen in D.H. Lawrence’s *Sons and Lovers* (1913), which explores working-class struggles. Its use grew in 20th-century American English during the Great Depression, when ‘dole’ became synonymous with New Deal relief programs, as noted in John Steinbeck’s *The Grapes of Wrath* (1939). The phrase’s adoption was amplified by post-World War II welfare state debates, spreading to Commonwealth English through British influence and media, notably in Australian and Canadian discussions of social policy. Its vivid imagery, evoking a handout, and its applicability to economic hardship ensured its enduring use across English-speaking cultures, from policy debates to personal stories of struggle.
- Variants
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- On the dole
- Living on the dole
- On the welfare dole
- Drawing the dole
- Examples
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- He’s been on the dole since the factory shut down last year.
- Living on the dole, she struggled to afford basic necessities.
- On the welfare dole, they relied on benefits to get through the tough months.
- Drawing the dole, he felt ashamed but had no other options.
- On the dole, she took part-time gigs to supplement the payments.
- They’ve been on the dole, waiting for the job market to recover.
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