The idiom "a foot in the door" comes from sales tactics, where a salesperson would use a foot to prevent a door from closing in order to gain entry to a potential customer's home or business. It has been in use since at least the 20th century. This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone gains a small opportunity or initial success that can lead to further opportunities or success in the future.

What is the origin of the idiom "a foot in the door" and when to use it?

a foot in the door

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The origin of the idiom "not give up the day job" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the mid-20th century. This phrase is used to suggest that someone's performance in a particular activity is not good enough to pursue as a career.

What is the origin of the idiom "not give up the day job" and when to use it?

to {not} [give] up the day job

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The idiom "fall on one's sword" comes from ancient Roman times, where a defeated or disgraced leader would commit suicide by falling on their sword. It has been in use in English since at least the 17th century. It is used to describe a situation where someone takes responsibility for a problem or failure, often at great personal cost.

What is the origin of the idiom "fall on one's sword" and when to use it?

to [fall] on {one's} sword

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The origin of the idiom "get the sack" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century and can be related to the idea of being kicked out of somewhere. It is used to describe a situation where someone is fired or dismissed from a job, position, or organization.

What is the origin of the idiom "get the sack" and when to use it?

to [get] the (sack|boot|axe)

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The origin of the idiom "give someone the pink slip" is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century and is believed to refer to the practice of using a pink slip of paper to notify someone of their termination from a job. This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is fired or dismissed from their job.

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone the pink slip" and when to use it?

[give] {sb} the pink slip

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The origin of the idiom "heads will roll" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in medieval times when the heads of executed prisoners were displayed on spikes as a warning to others. It has been used in English since at least the early 20th century. This phrase is used to describe a situation where people will be punished or held accountable for a problem or failure.

What is the origin of the idiom "heads will roll" and when to use it?

heads (will|are going to) roll

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The idiom "career ladder" is a metaphorical expression that compares a person's career progression to climbing a ladder. It has been in use in English since at least the mid-20th century. It is used to describe the steps or stages of career advancement within a profession or organization, where each step represents a higher level of responsibility, authority, or salary.

What is the origin of the idiom "career ladder" and when to use it?

(career|corporate) ladder

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to [give] {sb} the (sack|boot|axe)

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The origin of the idiom "get the bird" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is used to describe a situation where someone is fired or dismissed from their job.

What is the origin of the idiom "get the bird" and when to use it?

to [get] the bird

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The origin of the idiom "show someone the door" is unclear, but it has been in use in English since at least the mid-19th century. It is thought to refer to the act of physically showing someone the way out of a building or room when they are being dismissed. This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation where someone is fired or dismissed from their job.

What is the origin of the idiom "show someone the door" and when to use it?

to [show] {sb} the door

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The idiom "hang up one's gloves" is believed to have originated in the sport of boxing, where a boxer would hang up their gloves to retire from the sport. It has been in use in English since at least the early 20th century. This phrase is now used to describe a situation where someone retires from a profession or activity, often after a long and successful career.

What is the origin of the idiom "hang up one's gloves" and when to use it?

to [hang] up {one's} gloves

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The origin of the idiom "hang up one's boots" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the sport of football (soccer), where a player would hang up their boots when they retired from the sport. It has been in use in English since at least the mid-20th century. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone retires from a profession or activity, often after a long and successful career.

What is the origin of the idiom "hang up one's boots" and when to use it?

to [hang] up {one's} boots

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The origin of the idiom "carve a niche" is unclear, but it has been in use in English since at least the mid-20th century. It is believed to refer to the act of carving or creating a space or place for oneself within a particular field or industry. It is used to describe a situation where someone establishes a unique and successful position or role within a particular field.

What is the origin of the idiom "carve a niche" and when to use it?

to [carve] (out|) a niche

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The origin of the idiom "walking papers" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is thought to refer to the practice of giving someone a written notice of termination and then allowing them to leave the workplace immediately. This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation where someone is fired or dismissed from their job.

What is the origin of the idiom "walking papers" and when to use it?

walking (papers|ticket)

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The idiom "put someone out to pasture" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century and It is thought to refer to the practice of retiring old or worn-out farm animals and allowing them to graze in a pasture. This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to retire or is no longer useful or productive in their job.

What is the origin of the idiom "put someone out to pasture" and when to use it?

to [put] {sb} out to pasture

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The idiom "put someone out to pasture" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It refers to the practice of retiring old or worn-out farm animals and allowing them to graze in a pasture. This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to retire or is no longer useful or productive in their job.

to [wait] in the wings

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Explore English idioms that relate to job opportunities, including "a foot in the door" and "get the bird".

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