Today, we’re exploring funny and useful phrases about retirement. These are called idioms. They make learning fun and help us express ideas in a creative way. Let’s dive in and learn together!
Retirement Idioms
Here are 20 retirement idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
Golden Years
Meaning: The retirement period
Example: He’s enjoying his golden years in Spain.
Put Out to Pasture
Meaning: To retire someone from their job
Example: After 30 years, he was put out to pasture.
Ride Off Into the Sunset
Meaning: To retire or conclude adventure
Example: She decided to ride off into the sunset after her farewell tour.
Hang Up One’s Boots
Meaning: To retire from a job
Example: He finally hung up his boots as a firefighter.
On the Shelf
Meaning: Retired or no longer active
Example: After his injury, he was on the shelf.
The Last Hurrah
Meaning: A final act before retiring
Example: His farewell game was his last hurrah.
Quitting Time
Meaning: Time to stop working or retire
Example: It’s finally quitting time for her in June.
Pull the Pin
Meaning: Decide to retire
Example: He pulled the pin on his teaching career.
Pension Off
Meaning: Retire someone with a pension
Example: The company pensioned off several older employees.
Lay Down One’s Tools
Meaning: To retire from work
Example: After 40 years, he laid down his tools.
Step Aside
Meaning: To retire and let others take over
Example: She stepped aside to let younger staff lead.
Take Down One’s Sign
Meaning: To retire from business
Example: He took down his sign and closed the shop.
Out to Grass
Meaning: Retired, usually for age
Example: Many veterans are now out to grass.
Bow Out
Meaning: Retire gracefully
Example: She bowed out of professional tennis last year.
Cash in One’s Chips
Meaning: To retire or withdraw
Example: He decided it was time to cash in his chips.
Hang Up One’s Hat
Meaning: To retire from a profession
Example: After the merger, he hung up his hat.
Sail Into the Sunset
Meaning: Begin a life of retirement
Example: They decided to sail into the sunset after selling the company.
Throw in the Towel
Meaning: To give up a job or retire
Example: After the stressful year, he threw in the towel.
Fold One’s Tent
Meaning: Quietly exit or retire
Example: He folded his tent and left the political scene.
Call It a Day
Meaning: To stop working or retire
Example: She’s ready to call it a day and enjoy her hobbies.
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