6 ms·
Definition of on the dole: Unemployed and in receipt of state benefit. Origin of on the dole: In the UK, Unemployment Benefit has been known by the slang term
by zeusly 6y ago
Definition of on the dole:
Unemployed and in receipt of state benefit.
Origin of on the dole:
In the UK, Unemployment Benefit has been known by the slang term 'the dole' since WWI. This derives from the 'doling out', that is, 'handing out' of charitable gifts of food or money.
- hackissimo123 6y agoWow, I'm British and I never made that connection before between "the dole" and the verb "to dole out". TIL.