What does “Put someone out to pasture” mean?
"Put someone out to pasture" means to retire someone or remove them from a position or job.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After years of service, they finally put him out to pasture.
Example
The company decided to put the old CEO out to pasture.
Example
It's time for him to be put out to pasture and enjoy his retirement
Is “Put someone out to pasture” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Put someone out to pasture” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Put someone out to pasture” effectively in context?
You can use "Put someone out to pasture" to describe the act of retiring someone or removing them from a position or job. It implies that the person is no longer effective or relevant in their current role. For example, if a company decides to replace an aging CEO with a younger and more dynamic leader, you might say, 'They finally put the old CEO out to pasture.'
- 1Retirement
After years of service, they finally put him out to pasture and allowed him to enjoy his well-deserved retirement.
- 2Job Replacement
The company decided to put the old CEO out to pasture and bring in a new leader with fresh ideas.
- 3Transition
It's time for him to be put out to pasture and make way for younger talent in the organization.
Similar phrases to “Put someone out to pasture”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Put someone out to pasture” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Put someone out to pasture" is derived from the practice of retiring old or worn-out farm animals by allowing them to graze freely in a pasture. The phrase was later figuratively applied to humans, suggesting that they are being retired or removed from a position or job.
Is “Put someone out to pasture” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Put someone out to pasture" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to discuss retirement or the removal of someone from a position or job.
What tone does “Put someone out to pasture” have?
"Put someone out to pasture" conveys a tone of dismissal or replacement. It suggests that the person being referred to is no longer useful or relevant in their current role.
Can “Put someone out to pasture” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Put someone out to pasture" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, or in professional contexts such as meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After years of service, they finally put him out to pasture.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time for him to be "put out to pasture"!' to imply that someone should retire or be removed from a position.
