hang up one's spurs
Leave the arena
To hang up one's spurs is to retire from a career or activity, especially after a long and distinguished run.
The image comes from cowboys or cavalrymen who, upon retiring, would no longer need their riding gear: After thirty years on the force, Detective Marsh finally hung up his spurs.
The phrase implies earned rest after honorable service.
- resignVoluntarily leave office
- retirementLeaving the workforce permanently
- quitCease doing something
- call it quitsCease effort or partnership
- closureSense of emotional resolution
last hurrah · bow out · step down · finality · swan song · curtain call · final chapter · rodeo · farewell · saddle · epilogue · leave · endgame · legacy · end of an era · sunset · turning point · wind down
hang up one's spursthrow one's hat in the ring
Announce one's candidacy
saddle up · start out · suit up · get one's feet wet · cut one's teeth
hang up one's spurssaddle up
Prepare horse for riding
throw one's hat in the ring · pick up the mantle · take the field · make a comeback · get started
hang, hangs, hanging, hanger, hangers, ones, spur, spurs, spurred