[wait] in the wings
1
to be waiting for an opportunity to arise in order to take action
The idiom "put someone out to pasture" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It refers to the practice of retiring old or worn-out farm animals and allowing them to graze in a pasture. This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation where someone is forced to retire or is no longer useful or productive in their job.
- After years of dedicated service, he was put out to pasture and allowed to enjoy his retirement.
- He's been with the company for 40 years, but they're considering putting him out to pasture.
- If the company wants to bring in new talent, they may have to put some of the old guard out to pasture.
- If the company wants to remain competitive, they may have to put some of their older employees out to pasture in order to make room for new blood.
- She's been struggling to keep up with the demands of the job, and she may be put out to pasture soon.