How did the expression to 'get the sack' originate?

Question

How did the expression to 'get the sack' originate?

Answer 1

From th middle ages where a tradesman would own his own tools so if he were to lose employment he wold bring them with him in a sack. It's been a record saying since the 17 century. The first time it was recorded in English was The English Spy, 1825.

Answer 2

it comes from America when they had thousands of people building the rail ways, they lived in make shift tent city's and if they where found to be drunk on the job they where given a sack to collect up all there belongings and then kicked off site

Answer 3

It comes from the days when workmen carried their tools in sacks. If your employer gave you the sack, it was time to collect your tools and go.

Answer 4

It had to do with Father Christmas, since the first person to get fired was an elf and it was on Christmas day.

Answer 5

Don't  know about "get the sack" ,... I have heard of Hit the sack. or In the sack.

Answer 6

According to Brewers Phrase and Fable (the bible for English phrases), it does refer to a workman being given his sack so that he can collect his tools and go.

http://www.bartleby.com/81/14695.html

Answer 7

A sack is a basic method of carrying things. So when people were fired from their job they used a sack to take their belongings away with them.

Answer 8

im guessing some poor guy had to put all his belongings into a sack and leave