Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

don't-give-up-the-day-job

idiomatic expression

/doʊnt ɡɪv ʌp ðə deɪ dʒɒb/

Definition

A phrase often used to suggest that someone should continue their main employment because their current endeavor may not be successful enough.

Examples

After his performance, his friends joked, ‘Well, you might want to not give up the day job just yet.’
She has a passion for painting, but everyone tells her not to give up the day job while she’s still finding her style.
His stand-up comedy isn’t quite cutting it, so we say, ‘Don’t give up the day job.’

Meaning

This idiom implies that one should recognize the limitations of their skills or talent in a given area and should not abandon their stable job for an uncertain pursuit.