Job Opportunities: English Vocabulary List

an opportunity for starting a business or entering an organization, etc. in order to achieve a higher level of success later

"This job is a foot in the door."

"Getting an internship at that company is a great foot in the door for a career."

to advise someone to continue with their current job instead of trying a new job that is likely to fail

"Don't give up the day job."

"I think you should not give up the day job because your singing career is not going very well."

to take the blame or punishment for something, even if it is not entirely one's fault, in order to protect someone else or to preserve one's honor

"He fell on his sword for them."

"The manager decided to fall on his sword to protect his team from blame."

to be fired from one's position or job

"She got the sack last week."

"After many mistakes at work, he finally got the boot from his angry boss."

to inform one's employee that they are being dismissed

"They gave him the pink slip."

"The company had to give her the pink slip because of budget cuts."

used to express that people are going to be punished for something, particularly by being fired

"Heads will roll."

"After the massive security breach, the company announced that heads were going to roll."

the different levels of jobs and responsibilities that people can move up in their chosen profession as they gain more experience and skills

"She climbed the career ladder."

"After years of dedication and hard work, he finally climbed the corporate ladder and was promoted to the position of senior vice president."

to dismiss one's employee

"They gave her the sack yesterday."

"The boss decided to give him the boot after he broke the rules."

to be subjected to disapproval, rejection, or criticism from others, often through booing

"The actor got the bird."

"When the performer delivered a terrible speech, the audience immediately started to get the bird and boo loudly."

to dismiss or fire someone from their job or position

"She showed the employee the door."

"When the customer became rude and aggressive the manager showed him the door immediately."

to retire or quit from a profession or activity that involves physical or competitive effort

"The boxer hung up his gloves."

"After winning the championship the old boxer decided to hang up his gloves for good."

to retire from a particular activity or occupation, especially one's profession or career

"He hung up his boots last year."

"After thirty years of hard work, she finally hung up her boots and retired."

to successfully create a secure position for oneself at work, often by excelling in a very specific field related to it

"She carved out a niche for herself."

"The small bakery carved out a niche by selling gluten free bread to health conscious customers."

a notice given to someone, asking them to leave a job or place

"He got his walking papers yesterday."

"The incompetent employee received his walking papers after failing to meet any of his targets."

to retire someone due to their old age

"They put the old horse out to pasture."

"The company put the old salesman out to pasture after his performance declined significantly over the years."

to be waiting for an opportunity to arise in order to take action

"The young actor is waiting in the wings."

"The young actor is waiting in the wings ready to replace the star when he retires."

to be fired or dismissed from a job, usually in an abrupt or disrespectful manner

"He got the bird."

"After years of service, he was unceremoniously given the bird and told to leave."

to dismiss or fire someone from their job or position

"Show him the door."

"The manager had no choice but to show the disruptive employee the door."