về vườn

Definition
  1. Phrasal Verb (Idiomatic):
    • To be sent back to the garden; to be retired (involuntarily): This idiom originally and literally refers to an old work animal (like a buffalo or ox) being sent back to the garden or farm to rest because it is no longer useful for labor. In modern usage, it is a colloquial, slightly vulgar, and humorous way to say someone has been dismissed, laid off, fired, or forced to retire from their job, often implying they are old or no longer effective.
    • To be ousted; to be removed from a position: It can describe being removed from a position of power or responsibility, not just from employment.
Usage Examples
  • Phrasal Verb:
    • Ông giám đốc cũ đã về vườn sau vụ bê bối. (The old director was sent packing after the scandal.)
    • Công ty cắt giảm nhân sự, nhiều người trẻ cũng phải về vườn. (The company downsized, and many young people also got the axe.)
    • Nếu đội thua trận này, huấn luyện viên sẽ phải về vườn. (If the team loses this match, the coach will have to go.)
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase often carries a connotation of being put out to pasture, highlighting a lack of further utility. It is more commonly used for men and in informal contexts.
  • It can be used reflexively: "tự về vườn" means to retire or step down voluntarily, though sometimes under pressure.
    • Sau 40 năm làm việc, cụ ấy quyết định tự về vườn. (After 40 years of work, he decided to call it quits and retire.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Về hưu (v): to retire (standard, neutral term for retirement).
    • Bà ấy sẽ về hưu vào tháng tới. (She will retire next month.)
  • Bị sa thải / đuổi việc (v): to be fired, dismissed (direct terms for termination).
    • Anh ta bị sa thải vì đến muộn nhiều lần. (He was fired for being late many times.)
Synonyms
  • To be put out to pasture (idiomatic, closest equivalent).
  • To be dismissed.
  • To be laid off.
  • To be forced to retire.
Related Idioms
  • "Treo áo" (to hang up one's shirt/jersey): to retire, especially from a sport or profession.
    • Cầu thủ đó đã treo áo ở tuổi 35. (That player hung up his boots at age 35.)
  • "Ra đi" (to depart): a euphemism for being removed from a position.
    • Vị chủ tịch đã phải ra đi sau cuộc bỏ phiếu. (The chairman had to depart after the vote.)