Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hang-up-your-boots

idiom

/hæŋ ʌp jɔːr buːts/

Definition

To retire from one’s profession or stop doing a particular activity, especially in sports.

Examples

After twenty years in the industry, Jane decided it was time to hang up her boots and enjoy retirement.
He achieved everything he wanted in his football career, so he chose to hang up his boots at the young age of 35.

Meaning

This phrase originated from sports, where athletes literally hang up their boots after they stop playing. It is now commonly used to refer to anyone stepping away from their career or profession, signaling the end of an era.