heave-ho

noun

: dismissal
gave him the old heave-ho

Examples of heave-ho in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kindergarten family portraits with the artist’s name signed in crayon, a creative writing assignment, or any other piece that feels particularly sweet or impressive is worth hanging on to, but Rosenthal says the rest of those paper piles should get the heave-ho. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 May 2025 A good number of plants and flowers also got the heave-ho, and the irrigation system was replaced with a new one. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 Cage doesn’t get a toe in the tide before he’s given the heave-ho by a pretentious group of quasi-spiritual surfers called the Bay Boys. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 Even activities meant to celebrate certain groups are getting the heave-ho. Emily Peck, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025 Finally, dingy, discolored, or stringy towels need to get the heave-ho. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025 Even activities meant to celebrate certain groups are getting the heave-ho. Emily Peck, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025 Charleson used to joke that she wasn’t received with open arms by many of the cast and crew, who were upset that her predecessor was given the heave-ho. Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 12 Jan. 2025 Finally, dingy, discolored, or stringy towels need to get the heave-ho. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from heave ho!, interjection used when heaving on a rope

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heave-ho was in 1947

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heave-ho.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heave-ho. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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