Dont give up the day job

Don't give up the day job

Meaning

Said to someone who is a poor performer at a task – suggesting that they wouldn’t be able to succeed at it professionally.

Examples

Your singing is way off key mate – don’t give up the day job will you.

Where did it originate?

USA, 1950s

Where is it used?

Worldwide, but not particularly commonplace.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Dont give up the day job