Be given the boot Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Workplace Usage Used informally, especially in spoken language, to refer to job termination. After the merger, many employees were given the boot. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation Implies a negative reason for dismissal, such as poor performance or misconduct. His dishonesty finally led him to be given the boot. Pro Tip 3/3Humorous Tone Sometimes used humorously to soften the impact of being fired. I messed up the presentation and got given the boot!