get the sack
Meaning
To be fired or dismissed from a job.
Origin
Originally British. One explanation links it to laborers being told to collect their tools in a sack and leave; another links to a traditional “sack” given to a dismissed servant to pack belongings. The sack became a symbol of dismissal.
Notes
Informal, often used in everyday speech for being fired. Can be joking, but it’s blunt and may sound insensitive in formal contexts.
Examples
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He got the sack after missing the deadline twice.
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If you keep showing up late, you’re going to get the sack.
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She was worried she’d get the sack when the company cut costs.
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The coach got the sack after the team lost six games in a row.
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I thought I’d get the sack for that mistake, but my manager backed me up.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as “get the sack” (also “got the sack”). Commonly with subjects like he/she/they. Often used with reason clauses: “for…” or “after…”. Closely related noun phrase: “the sack” (e.g., “give someone the sack”).
Synonyms
- get fired
- get sacked
- get the boot
- be dismissed
- be let go
Antonyms
- keep your job
- get hired
- stay employed