Phrase guide

garden leave

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A period of paid leave before termination of employment, often including non-compete contract clauses.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, uncountable

Examples

  • We think he's going to start working for our competitor, so we've put on him on garden leave so he doesn't take all of our latest ideas.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

In reference to the time a person can work on their garden during their paid leave.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Danish: fritstilling — period of paid leave before termination of employment
  • German: bezahlte Freistellung — period of paid leave before termination of employment