# get the bullet

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/get-the-bullet
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be fired from one's employment.

## Examples

- He was late every day and finally got the bullet.
- The company is cutting costs, so several people in the marketing department just got the bullet.
- Despite his years of loyal service, the manager was shocked when he unexpectedly got the bullet following the corporate merger.

## Origin

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.