Don't give up the day job

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Meaning

Stick to your main gig, not good enough.

Origin

From 20th-century Britain, tied to jobs; slang by 1940s for poor, as in a 1949 'Punch' for a bad act. A stage age mocked amateurs; it reflects a work boom and side jests.

Variants

  • Day job
  • Don't give job

Usage Examples

  • Don't give up the day job-singing's rough.
  • He shouldn't give up the day job-art's bad.
  • Day job; keep it, you're no chef.

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