Give somebody their cards
phrase
To dismiss someone from employment.
After regularly arriving late for work, the company had no choice but to give him his cards.
Often appears as...
- company had to give him his cards
- she was given her cards
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To end a relationship with someone.
After multiple arguments and disagreements, he decided it was time to give her her cards.
Often appears as...
- decided to give her her cards
- time to give her her cards
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To dismiss someone from employment.
After regularly arriving late for work, the company had no choice but to give him his cards.
Often appears as...
- company had to give him his cards
- she was given her cards
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To end a relationship with someone.
After multiple arguments and disagreements, he decided it was time to give her her cards.
Often appears as...
- decided to give her her cards
- time to give her her cards
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Professional Context
The phrase is often used in work settings reflecting a formal decision made by an employer.
Due to the economic downturn, several employees were given their cards.
Pro Tip 2/3British Origin
It's a British English idiom, which may not be understood in other English-speaking countries.
In the UK, he was given his cards, but in the US, he was 'fired.'
Pro Tip 3/3Job Termination
It indicates the end of someone's employment, usually without their choice.
The new manager started restructuring and gave half the department their cards.
Pro Tip 1/3Professional Context
The phrase is often used in work settings reflecting a formal decision made by an employer.
Due to the economic downturn, several employees were given their cards.
Pro Tip 2/3British Origin
It's a British English idiom, which may not be understood in other English-speaking countries.
In the UK, he was given his cards, but in the US, he was 'fired.'
Pro Tip 3/3Job Termination
It indicates the end of someone's employment, usually without their choice.
The new manager started restructuring and gave half the department their cards.
Pro Tip 1/3Professional Context
The phrase is often used in work settings reflecting a formal decision made by an employer.
Due to the economic downturn, several employees were given their cards.
Pro Tip 2/3British Origin
It's a British English idiom, which may not be understood in other English-speaking countries.
In the UK, he was given his cards, but in the US, he was 'fired.'
Pro Tip 3/3Job Termination
It indicates the end of someone's employment, usually without their choice.
The new manager started restructuring and gave half the department their cards.
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