give someone the boot

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

give someone the boot (third-person singular simple present gives someone the boot, present participle giving someone the boot, simple past gave someone the boot, past participle given someone the boot)

1. (idiomatic, British, informal) To fire, sack, or eject someone. [with to]

   I am sorry for your husband and children, but I have to give you the boot.

   They said I couldn't do the job and gave me the boot. So, now I'm looking for work again.

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see give,‎ the,‎ boot.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:lay off