Definition

Verb (transitive, informal): To dismiss someone from their job; to terminate someone's employment.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used when an employer ends an employee's contract or job. It is informal and often implies the dismissal is sudden or unfavorable for the employee. It is typically used in active voice constructions.

Examples

• The manager had to give the sack to the employee for repeated misconduct.
• If you're late one more time, they'll give you the sack.
• After the merger, hundreds of workers were given the sack.

Advanced Usage

• The construction is often "give [someone] the sack" or "give the sack to [someone]."
• It can be used in passive voice: "He was given the sack last Friday."

Variants and Related Words

• To sack (verb): A more concise, synonymous verb.
  • Example: They sacked him for stealing office supplies.
• To get the sack (verb phrase): The experience from the employee's perspective.
  • Example: She got the sack after the new management took over.

Synonyms

• Dismiss
• Fire
• Terminate
• Let go
• Discharge

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Lay off: To dismiss, usually due to company restructuring or lack of work, not necessarily due to employee fault.
  • Example: The factory laid off 50 workers due to the economic downturn.

Related Idioms

• Show someone the door: To ask or tell someone to leave, often abruptly, which can imply dismissal.
  • Example: After his outburst in the meeting, the boss showed him the door.

Verb

1. terminate the employment of; discharge from an office or position
   • The boss fired his secretary today
   • The company terminated 25% of its workers