give someone the heave-ho

The phrase "give someone the heave-ho" is a British idiom often used to describe ending a relationship or dismissing someone from a job.

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Definition

B2Employment

(informal, British)To dismiss someone from their job or position.

Example

  • After missing several deadlines, he was given the heave-ho from the company.

B2Relationships

(informal, British)To end a romantic relationship with someone.

Example

  • She decided to give him the heave-ho after they argued constantly.

B2General

(informal, British)To force someone to leave a place or situation.

Example

  • The rowdy fans were given the heave-ho by security.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "give someone the heave-ho":

give someone the bootshow someone the doorget the bootkick outtoss outchuck outthrow outboot outshove offget the choptell someone where to shove itsling outcast awaykick into touchsee the back ofgive the go-bygive someone the business