Meaning: To retire or stop doing something, often referring to one’s career or regular activities.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “After 40 years in the classroom, she decided it was time to hang up her hat and enjoy retirement.”
- “He’s been the star player for so long, but injuries forced him to hang up his hat.”
- “When the company was sold, the founder hung up his hat and handed over the reins to the new management.”
Origin:
This idiom is derived from the literal act of hanging up a hat when one comes home, symbolizing an end to the day’s work or activities. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for ending a long-term commitment, like a job or role.
