English Reference
Idiom idiom

get the boot


To be dismissed from employment.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He was lazy, so he got the boot.

CONTEXTUAL

After the company lost a major client, several employees were worried they might get the boot.

COMPLEX

Despite his long years of loyal service, the manager was shocked when he received notice that he had gotten the boot due to the corporate restructuring.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  3. 03

    bet one's boots

    To be absolutely sure of something; to be certain enough to wager an essential possession.

  4. 04

    boot camp

    Any short, often intensive course of training.

  5. 05

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  6. 06

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  7. 07

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  8. 08

    daisies

    [Cockney slang]boots

Last updated August 10, 2026