ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get the bullet

idiom
Meaning

To be fired from one's employment.


Origin

disputed origin

Hotten suggests a play on the idea of being discharged (as a bullet is from a gun).

Examples
SIMPLE

He was late every day and finally got the bullet.

CONTEXTUAL

The company is cutting costs, so several people in the marketing department just got the bullet.

COMPLEX

Despite his years of loyal service, the manager was shocked when he unexpectedly got the bullet following the corporate merger.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bite the bullet

    To accept a negative aspect of a situation in order to proceed.

  2. 02

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  3. 03

    could not get elected dogcatcher

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

  4. 04

    dodge a bullet

    To have a narrow escape; to avoid injury, disaster, or some other undesirable situation.

  5. 05

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

  6. 06

    five will get you ten

    I strongly believe.

  7. 07

    get a charge out of

    To derive excitement, entertainment, or pleasure from.

  8. 08

    get a clue

    To become aware of the obvious reality of a situation, often used as a command to indicate frustration

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