Unemployed and in receipt of state benefit. This expression is used worldwide but most commonly in the UK and Australia.
On the dole
What's the meaning of the phrase 'On the dole'?
What's the origin of the phrase 'On the dole'?
The word dole has been used since the 13th century to refer to a charitable gift given to the poor. This derives from the ‘doling out’, that is, ‘handing out’ of charitable gifts of food or money.
be ‘On the dole’.
The expression ‘on the dole’ is much more recent. First World War soldiers who had returned home to unemployment were given the UK’s Unemployment Benefit. These soldiers were referred to as being ‘on the dole’.
The first example that I can find of the phrase in print is from March 1925, when it was recorded in a story in the Westminster Gazette, with this caption:
3,000 Aliens on the Dole.
The history of “On the dole” in printed materials
Trend of on the dole in printed material over time
Related phrases and meanings
Browse more Phrases
About the Author
Phrases & Meanings
A-Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ
Categories
American Animals Australian Bible Body Colour Conflict Death Devil Dogs Emotions Euphemism Family Fashion Food French Horses ‘Jack’ Luck Money Military Music Names Nature Nautical Numbers Politics Religion Shakespeare Stupidity Entertainment Weather Women Work
How did we do?
Have you spotted something that needs updated on this page? We review all feedback we receive to ensure that we provide the most accurate and up to date information on phrases.