Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

put out to pasture

idiom

/pʊt aʊt tu ˈpæs.tʃər/

Definition

To retire someone or something, often implying that they are no longer effective or useful.

Examples

After working for years, he was finally put out to pasture and could enjoy his favorite hobbies.
The older employees were put out to pasture, replaced by younger staff eager to bring new ideas.

Meaning

The phrase metaphorically refers to giving someone a peaceful or leisurely retirement, akin to allowing farm animals to graze in a pasture after they’ve served their purpose.