out on one's ear

out on (one's) ear

Removed from a place or situation, especially a place of employment, often unceremoniously. After 10 years of loyal service to that company, I'm out on my ear just because the new manager doesn't like me. Come on, we've been sitting here chatting for far too long. Let's finish our drinks before the restaurant puts us out on our ear.

See also: ear, on, out

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

out on one's ear

Dismissed, thrown out in disgrace, as in In this company you get only one chance, and if you fail you're out on your ear. This term alludes to being physically thrown out head first. [Slang; early 1900s]

See also: ear, on, out

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.