Useful English Idiom to Boost Your English

Don't Give Up Your Day Job

What does it mean?

Don't give up your day job is a humorous or sarcastic idiom used to tell someone they are not very good at a new activity and should stick to what they normally do for work.

REAL WORDS.
REAL ENGLISH.
Native UK character with a collection of useful English phrases

Is it positive or negative?

It is negative - a gentle insult or playful critique of poor performance.

When do you use it?

Use it after someone tries a creative or new skill (singing, drawing, comedy, dancing) and does it badly.

Examples

Example 1: That's a nice drawing, but don't give up your day job just yet!

Example 2: I tried stand-up comedy. My friend said, 'Don't give up your day job!'

NOW MAKE IT YOURS

Question for You

Have you ever tried something new and someone jokingly told you not to give up your day job?

Try saying your answer aloud, using the expression.

Practise it in a lesson

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