# give someone the heave-ho

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-the-heave-ho
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To fire, expel or break up with someone.

## Examples

- The boss gave him the heave-ho after he arrived late again.
- After months of poor performance, the manager finally gave the employee the heave-ho.
- Following the discovery of his repeated dishonesty, the board of directors decided to give the chief executive the heave-ho immediately.

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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.