hung up her apron

Definitions

• retire
  To stop working, especially after a long career, typically used in reference to someone who has worked as a homemaker or in a service industry

• give up
  To quit or stop doing something, often used when someone is tired or frustrated with a particular task or responsibility

Examples of hung up her apron

• After a long day of cooking and cleaning, Mrs. Johnson hung up her apron and collapsed onto the couch with a sigh.

  In this example, "hung up her apron" is used to mean that Mrs. Johnson finished her chores and removed her apron, indicating that she is no longer actively working or taking care of others. It suggests that she is now free to relax and take care of herself. This idiom is commonly used to signify the end of a person's work or duties in a domestic setting, such as cooking or cleaning.

• The busy entrepreneur finally hung up her apron and left the office late at night, exhausted but satisfied with her day's work.

  In this example, "hung up her apron" is used figuratively to mean that the entrepreneur has finished her work for the day and is leaving her professional responsibilities behind. This idiom can also imply that the person being described is a hard worker who devotes a significant amount of time and energy to her job, similar to the way that someone might wear an apron while cooking or cleaning.

• In the aftermath of a failed relationship, Sarah hung up her apron and moved to a new city, determined to start over and build a new life for herself.

  In this example, "hung up her apron" is used to mean that Sarah has ended her previous relationship and is starting a new phase in her life. This figurative use of the idiom suggests that Sarah sees her previous relationship as a kind of domestic obligation or responsibility, which she is now free from. By hanging up her apron, Sarah is signaling that she is no longer defined by her former relationship and is ready to move forward on her own terms.

• The volunteer firefighter hung up his apron after a lifetime of service, his bravery and dedication an inspiration to all who knew him.

  In this example, "hung up his apron" is used to signify the end of the firefighter's career, but also to celebrate his many years of service and sacrifice. The image of hanging up an apron might seem trivial in this context, but it serves as a powerful and visceral metaphor for the firefighter's final act of service. By hanging up his apron, the firefighter is demonstrating a sense of finality and closure, while also signaling his readiness to move into the next phase of his life.

• After spending all day in the kitchen, Mary hung up her apron and collapsed onto the couch, tired but content.

  This idiom is used to describe a person who has completed their duties in the kitchen and removed their apron as a symbol of finishing their work.

• Sarah hung up her apron and put on her high heels, ready for a night out with friends.

  This idiom can also be used to indicate a change in activity or mood, as Sarah here removes the utilitarian apron and transforms herself into a more social and stylish persona.

• Emma hung up her apron and stepped outside, eager to enjoy the beautiful weather.

  This idiom can be used to indicate a shift from a dedicated work or domestic focus to a more leisurely or relaxed state of being.

• The bakery closed early today, and the employees hung up their aprons and headed home, disappointed by the lack of business.

  This idiom can also be used to describe a collective action, as in this example, where several people remove their aprons at the same time to indicate the end of a workday or specific activity.

Conclusion

The idiom "hung up her apron" can be used to refer to someone retiring from a long career or giving up on a task or responsibility. It often carries connotations of hard work and dedication, as it is commonly associated with homemakers or those in the service industry.

Origin of "hung up her apron"

The origin of the idiom "hung up her apron" can be traced back to a time when aprons were a common garment worn by homemakers and those working in service industries such as restaurants and hotels. The act of "hanging up" one's apron would symbolize the end of a long day's work or the conclusion of a career in those fields. Over time, the idiom has evolved to represent the act of retiring or giving up on a task or responsibility, regardless of the individual's profession. The imagery of hanging up a symbol of hard work and dedication has endured in the modern usage of the idiom.

For example, "After 30 years of working as a nurse, she finally hung up her apron and retired."