hang up one's spurs

English

Etymology

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

Verb

hang up one's spurs (third-person singular simple present hangs up one's spurs, present participle hanging up one's spurs, simple past and past participle hung up one's spurs)

1. To quit, to stop engaging in a line of work or type of activity.
   • 2012, Fern Michaels, Fancy Dancer:

     Figured I'd find me some shack or lean-to and hang up my spurs.

   • 2012, Vince Flynn, The Last Man:

     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.

   • 2014, Chris Evans, Of Bone and Thunder:

     “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.”

   • 2015, Jimmy R. Watson, Big Jesus: A Pastor’s Struggle with Christology, page 133:

     I did my fair share of reproducing; now, as they say, it's time to hang up my spurs.