sling one's hook

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sling one's hook (third-person singular simple present slings one's hook, present participle slinging one's hook, simple past and past participle slung one's hook)

1. (idiomatic, derogatory, colloquial) Synonym of leave.
   • 2005, Kevin Muir, Run For Freedom:

     Placing his hand on the doorknob he could hear his father's indignant voice: "If he's no job he can damn well sling his hook, he's not living under my roof free gratis, I want him out."

   • 2007 March 6, Julie Rutterford, Life on Mars, Season 2, Episode 3:

     Landlady: O'Brien? He don't live here any more. Not lived here for months. I made him sling his hook. Never paid his lodgings.

Especially used in reference to forcing or being forced to leave.