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Region: General | Usage example: The deadbeat employee missed the deadline again.

Deadbeat

Meaning

Someone who shirks responsibility.

Usage

Used when criticizing reliability.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Describes those who avoid work.

Used since the early 20th century in moral judgments.

Related Idioms

Let someone off the hook

Release someone from responsibility.

All bark and no bite

Someone who talks tough but is harmless or unlikely to act.

Apple of my eye

Someone cherished above others.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.