Hang up your skates

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Meaning

Retire from hockey or, figuratively, give up a career or activity. Current, especially in hockey contexts Regional use: Canada, with some use in other skating and hockey countries.

Origin

A Canadian hockey expression first used literally for ending a season when mild weather ruined outdoor ice; DCHP records hang up the skates in Ontario in 1900. It then came to mean retirement from hockey or figure skating and was generalised by the mid-20th century to leaving other work. Older phrases such as hang up one's sword or boots supplied the pattern, while Canadian skating supplied the local form.

Variants

  • hang up one's skates
  • hanging up one's skates
  • hang up the skates

Usage Examples

  • After twenty seasons in goal, Patrice finally hung up his skates.
  • The councillor says she will hang up her skates at the next election.

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