Send somebody packing
phrase
To make someone leave, often because they are not wanted.
When we found out he was a spy, we immediately sent him packing.
Often appears as...
- send him packing
- send them packing
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To make someone leave, often because they are not wanted.
When we found out he was a spy, we immediately sent him packing.
Often appears as...
- send him packing
- send them packing
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Implication
The phrase often implies disapproval or rejection of the person being sent away.
After cheating in the game, the player was sent packing.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Tone
Used in casual conversation, it's not suitable for formal contexts like business or diplomatic discussions.
He was always late, so the boss sent him packing.
Pro Tip 3/3Authority and Power
The person doing the 'sending' has authority or power over the other.
The teacher sent the unruly student packing from class.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Implication
The phrase often implies disapproval or rejection of the person being sent away.
After cheating in the game, the player was sent packing.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Tone
Used in casual conversation, it's not suitable for formal contexts like business or diplomatic discussions.
He was always late, so the boss sent him packing.
Pro Tip 3/3Authority and Power
The person doing the 'sending' has authority or power over the other.
The teacher sent the unruly student packing from class.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Implication
The phrase often implies disapproval or rejection of the person being sent away.
After cheating in the game, the player was sent packing.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Tone
Used in casual conversation, it's not suitable for formal contexts like business or diplomatic discussions.
He was always late, so the boss sent him packing.
Pro Tip 3/3Authority and Power
The person doing the 'sending' has authority or power over the other.
The teacher sent the unruly student packing from class.
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