dole
be on the dole
To be or begin receiving assistance, financial or otherwise, from publicly or privately funded agencies (usually run by the government) due to a certain level of hardship, poverty, or need. It was really disheartening having to be on the dole these past six months, but it was the only thing that kept our family afloat after I lost my job. Some people are very critical of those who have been on the dole for extended periods of time.
See also: dole, on
dole out
To distribute something, either physically or verbally. A noun or pronoun can be used between "dole" and "out." I'll have the volunteers dole out pamphlets to the audience before I begin my lecture. Rachel is always doling out criticism, so of course she's sensitive to any critique of herself.
See also: dole, out
go on the dole
To begin receiving assistance, financial or otherwise, from publicly or privately funded agencies (usually run by the government) due to a certain level of hardship, poverty, or need. It was really disheartening having to go on the dole these past six months, but it was the only thing that kept our family afloat after I lost my job. Some people are very critical of those who have gone on the dole for extended periods of time.
See also: dole, go, on
on relief
In receipt of assistance, financial or otherwise, from publicly or privately funded agencies (most often government-run), due to a certain level of hardship, poverty, or need. It was really disheartening having to go on relief these past six months, but it was the only thing that kept our family afloat after I lost my job. Some people are very critical of those who have been on relief for extended periods of time.
See also: on, relief
on the dole
In receipt of assistance, financial or otherwise, from publicly or privately funded agencies (most often government-run), due to a certain level of hardship, poverty, or need. It was really disheartening having to go on the dole these past six months, but it was the only thing that kept our family afloat after I lost my job. Some people are very critical of those who have been on the dole for extended periods of time.
See also: dole, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
dole something out
(to someone ) to distribute something to someone. The cook doled the oatmeal out to each camper who held out a bowl. Please dole out the candy bars, one to a customer. She doled it out fairly.
See also: dole, out
on the dole
receiving welfare money. I spent six months on the dole, and believe me, it's no picnic.
See also: dole, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
on relief
Also, on welfare; on the dole. Receiving public financial assistance, as in Half the people in this town are on relief, or Don hated the idea of going on welfare. The first two terms originated in the United States in the 1930s, when government assistance of this kind was first instituted. On the dole, used mainly in Britain but occasionally in America, dates from the 1920s, although the use of dole for a charitable gift dates from about 1200.
See also: on, relief
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
dole out
v.
To distribute something: The government doles out cheese to the needy. The teacher doled pencils out to the students.
See also: dole, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
on the dole
Receiving regular relief payments from or as if from the government.
See also: dole, on
on relief
Receiving public assistance because of need or poverty.
See also: on, relief
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- be on relief
- be on the dole
- relief
- go on relief
- go on the dole
- go on welfare
- welfare
- be on welfare
- on the dole
- on welfare