Be given the boot
phrase
To be dismissed or fired from a job.
He was always late, so he was given the boot.

Often appears as...
- get given the boot
- was given the boot
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To be quickly removed or ejected from a place or situation.
He was causing trouble, so he was given the boot.

Often appears as...
- get given the boot
- was given the boot
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To be dismissed or fired from a job.
He was always late, so he was given the boot.

Often appears as...
- get given the boot
- was given the boot
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To be quickly removed or ejected from a place or situation.
He was causing trouble, so he was given the boot.

Often appears as...
- get given the boot
- was given the boot
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Workplace Usage
Used informally, especially in spoken language, to refer to job termination.

After the merger, many employees were given the boot.
Negative Connotation
Implies a negative reason for dismissal, such as poor performance or misconduct.

His dishonesty finally led him to be given the boot.
Humorous Tone
Sometimes used humorously to soften the impact of being fired.

I messed up the presentation and got given the boot!
Workplace Usage
Used informally, especially in spoken language, to refer to job termination.

After the merger, many employees were given the boot.
Negative Connotation
Implies a negative reason for dismissal, such as poor performance or misconduct.

His dishonesty finally led him to be given the boot.
Humorous Tone
Sometimes used humorously to soften the impact of being fired.

I messed up the presentation and got given the boot!
Workplace Usage
Used informally, especially in spoken language, to refer to job termination.

After the merger, many employees were given the boot.
Negative Connotation
Implies a negative reason for dismissal, such as poor performance or misconduct.

His dishonesty finally led him to be given the boot.
Humorous Tone
Sometimes used humorously to soften the impact of being fired.

I messed up the presentation and got given the boot!
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