Give somebody the (old) heave-ho In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "give somebody the (old) heave-ho", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Evelyn Nguyen

2021-01-07 11:01

Meaning of Give somebody the (old) heave-ho

Give somebody the (old) heave-ho humorous informal verb phrase

To dismiss or reject a person from a job, or a relationship

The boss gave me the old heave-ho although I have worked at his company for 6 years.

He decided to give me the heave-ho because he has to migrate to Canada.

The HR assistant was given the heave-ho yesterday for the lost she caused to the company.

I never expect Marilyn to give Alex the heave-ho.

Other phrases about:

not have a bar of (something)

To not accept or have anything to do with something

Grammar and Usage of Give somebody the (old) heave-ho

Verb Forms

gives someone the heave-ho
gived someone the heave-ho
will give someone the heave-ho

The verb "give" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Give somebody the (old) heave-ho

This idiom is probably nautical. Sailors are chanting in unison, coordinating their grunts to synchronize their movements in pulling something overboard.