put out to grass
Sent to pasture
To put out to grass is to retire someone, especially someone who has become old or less useful.
The image is of a working horse or dairy cow sent to pasture when its productive years are over.
The phrase often carries condescension—being put out to grass suggests being sidelined rather than honored: After thirty years, they finally put him out to grass.
- put out to pastureForce into retirement
- retireCease employment permanently
- pensionerRetired payment recipient
- senescentBecoming old
- horsesLarge domesticated hoofed mammals
superannuated · turned out · worn-out · emeritus · idiomatic · pastoral · green pastures · inactive · obsolete · outdated · decrepit · rural · aging · lay off · antiquated · resign · hang up one's boots · step down
employment/activity status
put out to grassworking
In active function
employed · busy · active · in harness · on the job
puts, putting, putter, output, outer, outing, outward, outermost, grass