What does “Send someone packing” mean?
"Send someone packing" means to firmly and decisively tell someone to leave or go away.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After causing a disturbance, the bouncer sent him packing.
Example
When he realized he wasn't welcome, he quickly packed his things and left.
Example
The boss was furious and sent the employee packing
Is “Send someone packing” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Send someone packing” 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 “Send someone packing” effectively in context?
You can use "Send someone packing" to describe the act of telling someone to leave or go away, often in a forceful or dismissive manner. It implies a sense of rejection or dismissal. For example, if someone is causing a disturbance at a party, you might say, 'The host had enough and sent him packing.'
- 1Social Setting
After causing a disturbance, the bouncer sent him packing.
- 2Leaving Unwanted Place
When he realized he wasn't welcome, he quickly packed his things and left.
- 3Terminating Employment
The boss was furious and sent the employee packing.
Similar phrases to “Send someone packing”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Send someone packing” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Send someone packing" is unknown.
Is “Send someone packing” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Send someone packing" is a relatively common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to express a strong desire for someone to leave or to describe a situation where someone is abruptly dismissed or rejected.
What tone does “Send someone packing” have?
"Send someone packing" conveys a tone of authority and dismissal. It is often used in a situation where someone is being forcefully told to leave or is being rejected in a strong manner.
Can “Send someone packing” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Send someone packing" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends or in situations where a more direct and forceful expression is appropriate.
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, 'The manager was so angry that he sent the employee packing.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "send them packing"!' to imply the desire for someone to leave.
