doʊnt ɡɪv ʌp jɔr deɪ dʒɑb
Work
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Continue your regular employment
What does "don't give up your day job" mean?
- A humorous way of saying someone isn't very good at something
- Advice not to pursue something as a career because of lack of talent
Examples
- Nice singing, but don't give up your day job!
- His cooking is okay, but I'd say don't give up your day job.
- That performance? Don't give up your day job.
Origin
20th-century American expression, probably from show business. It's advice to aspiring performers to keep their regular job because they won't succeed professionally at their pursuit.
How to use it
Said humorously or sarcastically to indicate someone isn't talented at something. Can be friendly teasing or genuine criticism.
Similar expressions
stick to what you know
not your forte
Opposites
you've got talent
go for it
Related idioms
- hit the nail on the head
To describe exactly what is true or important
- call it a day
To stop working for the day
- have one's hands full
To be very busy with something
- learn the ropes
To learn the basics of a job or activity
- it's not rocket science
It's not difficult to understand or do
- get your act together
To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "don't give up your day job" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.