Question

Get the sack To be given the sack, or to get the sack means to be be dismissed from your job (to be told you have lost your job). Workers used to carry the tools of their trade in a bag, which they would leave with their employer while they worked for him. When the job was finished, they would be given the bag back.The saying originated in France, where “sac” is the word for bag. “He was late for work three times last week. He’ll be given the sack if he doesn’t start coming in on time.”

Accepted Answer

What did you mean? Why does it mean this? Example

Metaphor	Get the sack
Question Meaning	What did you mean?
Meaning	To be given the sack, or to get the sack means to be be dismissed from your job (to be told you have lost your job).
Question Explanation	Why does it mean this?
Explanation	Workers used to carry the tools of their trade in a bag, which they would leave with their employer while they worked for him. When the job was finished, they would be given the bag back. The saying originated in France, where “sac” is the word for bag.
Question Example	Example
Example	“He was late for work three times last week. He’ll be given the sack if he doesn’t start coming in on time.”

Sack Job Means Dismissed Told Lost Workers Carry