- Meaning
- This idiom means to be fired or dismissed from a job, as if given a sack to carry one’s belongings away. It conveys abrupt termination, often used in workplace or informal contexts to describe job loss. The phrase carries a tone of misfortune, finality, or casual bluntness, reflecting cultural values of employment stability and the human tendency to face professional setbacks. Its imagery of a sack evokes a sudden, humbling exit, resonating in scenarios of layoffs or incompetence. The idiom captures the sting of dismissal, making it a straightforward metaphor for being let go.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in 17th-century Europe, tied to artisans who carried tools in sacks, handed back when dismissed, as noted in Dutch records (‘zak geven’). Its English use emerged in the 19th century, with *The Times* (1820s) using it for factory workers. The idiom gained traction during industrialization, amplified by labor disputes and literature, notably in Charles Dickens’ *Hard Times* (1854). Its spread was boosted by 20th-century media, especially in British and Australian slang. Its adoption across English-speaking cultures stems from its clear imagery and relevance to workplace dynamics.
- Variants
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- Given the sack
- Get sacked
- Get the boot
- Examples
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- He got the sack after missing too many deadlines.
- Given the sack, she packed her desk and left quietly.
- Get sacked if you keep showing up late, the boss warned.
- They got the boot for ignoring company policies.
- Getting the sack was a wake-up call for his career.
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