give someone the old heave-ho: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  BritishUSIrelandinformal
  • To dismiss, expel, or abruptly send someone away; a colloquial emphatic form of 'give someone the heave‑ho.'

  Examples

  Beta

  • After years of loyal service, Tom was given the old heave-ho without any explanation.

    After years of loyal service, Tom was dismissed abruptly without any explanation.

  • I heard that the manager gave the old heave-ho to two employees last week due to poor performance.

    I heard that the manager dismissed two employees abruptly last week due to poor performance.

  • When the new CEO took over, several staff members were given the old heave-ho during the reorganization.

    When the new CEO took over, several staff members were abruptly dismissed during the reorganization.

• 2.

  UKUSneutral
  • To forcefully or physically push someone out or away.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The crowd got rowdy, and the security guards gave the old heave-ho to the troublemakers.

    The crowd got rowdy, and the security guards physically pushed the troublemakers out.

  • During the bar fight, the bouncer gave the old heave-ho to the aggressive patrons.

    During the bar fight, the bouncer physically forced the aggressive patrons out.

  • If anyone tries to cause a disturbance, they'll be given the old heave-ho by the staff.

    If anyone tries to cause a disturbance, they'll be physically pushed out by the staff.