Dear John letter

Dear John letter

A letter sent, typically from a woman to a man, to end a romantic relationship. Mike was clearly upset when he received a Dear John letter from his girlfriend, Caroline. He thought their relationship was going well and didn't expect it to end so suddenly. Mail call was usually a happy time in the military barracks, except for the unlucky soldiers who got Dear John letters from their sweethearts back home.
See also: dear, john, letter
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a Dear John letter

a letter a woman writes to her boyfriend telling him that she does not love him anymore. Bert got a Dear John letter today from Sally. He was devastated.
See also: dear, john, letter
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

Dear John letter

n. a letter a woman writes to her boyfriend in the military service telling him that she does not love him anymore. Sally sends a Dear John letter about once a month.
See also: dear, john, letter
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • a Dear John letter
  • French letter
  • bread-and-butter letter
  • a bread-and-butter letter
  • a dead letter
  • dead letter
  • to whom it may concern
  • to whom this may concern
  • dash a letter off
  • Xmas
References in periodicals archive
"I had just received a Dear John letter from the girl I had been seeing for a few weeks.
Jilted soldier Geoffrey's 3s cup final pick-me-up
What's happened may have provided the incentive to spring clean your life but a Dear John letter to tell your husband he's been replaced by his friend would be a massive, cruel blow to his morale.
Your Life: Dear Miriam - I've cheated while squaddie's away; HEALTH ADVICE
Guys who have burst their butts all season for the club will open their Dear John letter to read the patronising words, 'Thank you for your contribution, but unfortunately the club have decided to hit you with an almighty custard pie that's so big even Red Rum would never jump over it.'
John Hillcoat: Being freed is like kick in the cobblers
IT'S been 30 years since a certain Mr John Martyn released his first album and there's no sign of a Dear John letter just yet...
The Beautiful North: MARTYN DOES IT HIS WAY
There are no jobs, it costs a fortune to go to university or college and back in the day, when someone dumped you, all that happened was they sent you a Dear John letter or their pal delivered the bad news.
Beardsley didn't need any bling; Kids need to keep it real if they are going to make it
"The lad next to me had just got a Dear John letter and I thought I was next in line to be ditched.
100 golden years; DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR TWINS WHO MARRIED ON SAME DAY
He awoke one morning to find his wife had left a Dear John letter and a small lofted golf club in his bed, but despite a messy divorce, the amiable Scot is now feeling a little chipper.
Football: Honour-bound to reward true merit; Alternative guide for deserving gong stars
Tracks like the single Whatchulookinat and Dear John Letter, show that Whitney can still cut it.
Friday live: friday sounds - new sounds
But Claudio will run the risk of igniting his manager's volcanic temper because he won't give in to Advocaat's demands that Uncle Sam gets a Dear John letter announcing the American star's retirement from international football.
Football: MY STARS AND GRIPES; Reyna: I'll risk injury to play for the States
IT'S been 30 years since a certain Mr Martyn released his first album and there's no sign of a Dear John letter just yet...
Irish Heartbeat: MARTYN DOES IT HIS WAY
In roman-tic terms that's a Dear John letter, no matter what your name is.
RESULT!: Roman on road out of Chelsea; IN ASSOCIATION WITH betfair
The Dear John letter also informed us that we will have to wait till after the deadline of June 18 to see what seats are available.
IT'S ALL KICKING OFF: Blues fans discuss possible transfer targets
The goodbye text or email is the Dear John letter of the 21st century.
UR HISTORY; CHERYL IS LATEST CELEB TO AXE BY TEXT
But Hotline callers far and wide will sympathise with Kevan Hendren, Prestwick, whose fixed odds coupon in recent weeks has resembled a Dear John letter jilting the prospect of a joyous Christmas.
HOTLINE; GARY RALSTON TAKES YOUR CALLS
"So I wrote her a Dear John letter. A lot of servicemen did.
I told Iris to find someone else..I was so sure that I'd be killed; EXCLUSIVE: WARTIME SWEETHEARTS IN LOVE AGAIN 60 YEARS ON