ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hang up one's boots

idiom
Meaning

to retire, call it a day (used especially in the context of sports).


Examples
SIMPLE

The veteran player decided to hang up his boots after this season.

CONTEXTUAL

After twenty years of professional competition, the champion athlete finally decided it was time to hang up his boots.

COMPLEX

Following a career defined by relentless intensity and numerous accolades, the aging captain announced his intention to hang up his boots at the conclusion of the championship match.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

© 2026 English Reference