be put out to pasture

1. Of an animal, to be retired from working and allowed to roam freely in a field or pasture. This horse has been my constant companion for the last 15 years on the ranch, but now I think it's about time he was put out to pasture. I can't believe this old donkey hasn't been put out to pasture yet. Would you put this horse out to pasture already? He's too slow these days to be much help around the farm anyway.

2. To be forced, coerced, or pressured into retiring from one's work. The CEO shaped the company into what it is today, but the board of directors has decided that she needs to be put out to pasture simply because she's getting older. Anyone who turns 60 is promptly put out to pasture by that disgraceful company. No, I wasn't put out to pasture. When your mom got sick, it was definitely time to retire.

3. Of a piece of equipment or machinery, to be replaced or retired from use. I got through my entire graduate degree on this clunky old laptop, but I think it's finally time for this thing to be put out to pasture. This car needs to be put out to pasture, man. Just look at that rusted-out engine! At that underfunded school, kids are expected to learn on computers that should have been put out to pasture in the 90s.