Phrase guide

give someone the boot

verb · 2 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

verb

Meaning 1

To fire, sack, or eject someone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, idiomatic, informal

Examples

  • I am sorry for your husband and children, but I have to give you the boot.
  • They said I couldn't do the job and gave me the boot. So, now I'm looking for work again.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see give, the, boot.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.