hang out one's shingle
Start professional business
To hang out one's shingle is to establish a professional practice, typically as a doctor, lawyer, or other practitioner.
The expression references the old custom of displaying a sign—often a wooden shingle—outside one's office to advertise services.
It usually implies going into business independently rather than joining an existing firm.
After passing the bar exam, she hung out her shingle in a small town.
- signMark conveying information
- freelanceSelf-employed project work
- going soloActing without partners
- startupNew business enterprise
- private practiceIndependent professional business
own boss · autonomy · grand opening · consultancy · self-employment · side hustle · sole proprietorship · small business · advertising · business cards · licensing · medical practice · plaque · independent contractor · client list · incorporation · lettering · venture
hang out one's shingleclose up shop
Conclude daily business operations
shut down · go out of business · fold · close one's doors · shutter
shingle, hangs, hanging, hanger, hangers, outing, outings, shingles, shingled