Dictionary

hang up one's spurs en · VERB

Etymology

Originally cowboy slang, implying that if one hangs up one's spurs, one no longer is using the tools of the trade.

Meanings

1. To quit, to stop engaging in a line of work or type of activity.
   • I did my fair share of reproducing; now, as they say, it's time to hang up my spurs. 2015, Jimmy R. Watson, Big Jesus: A Pastor’s Struggle with Christology, page 133:
   • It made his wife a great deal happier, and in light of the fact that he had four kids, one of whom was still in diapers, it was probably a good idea to hang up his spurs, but God, he missed it. 2012, Vince Flynn, The Last Man:
   • Figured I'd find me some shack or lean-to and hang up my spurs. 2012, Fern Michaels, Fancy Dancer:
   • “He's not the first driver that's charked, and he won't be the last,” Modelar said, speaking low. “The day you no longer accept that is the day you hang up your spurs.” 2014, Chris Evans, Of Bone and Thunder:

Forms