on the dole

The expression on the dole is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the on the dole idiom.

Meaning of "on the dole"

Meaning

The idiom “on the dole” is used to refer to someone who is unemployed and receiving government-funded welfare payments. It implies a sense of dependency and helplessness in the recipient of the welfare payments, as they are seen as being dependent on the government for basic needs. Additionally, the phrase has a sense of stigma attached to it, implying that those receiving welfare are either lazy or in some way undeserving.

Etymology

The phrase “on the dole” stems from the old English word “dole”, which originally referred to a portion of money given out in charity to the poor. Over time, the word evolved to refer to the government-funded welfare payments which are still in place today. The phrase “on the dole” came into use sometime in the early 20th century, with the earliest recorded use of the phrase dating back to 1918.

Usage

The phrase “on the dole” is typically used to refer to those who are unemployed and receiving government-funded welfare payments. However, it can also be used in a more derogatory fashion, referring to someone as being “on the dole” in a way that implies they are lazy or undeserving of the welfare payments they are receiving. Additionally, the phrase can be used in a more neutral fashion, simply referring to someone as being “on the dole” without making any judgement of their character.

Example Sentences

• My cousin has been on the dole since he lost his job last year.
• I don't think it's right to judge people who are on the dole.
• I don't want to be on the dole my whole life.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.