A leaving do

Informal Neutral

What it really means

A "do" means a party or gathering, so a leaving do is drinks or a meal to mark someone leaving a job. It's usually after work at a pub. Colleagues often have a whip-round for a card and gift. You don't have to stay all night — popping in is appreciated.

Chinese explanation

"do"指聚会或活动，所以 leaving do 就是为某人离职而办的喝酒或聚餐，通常在下班后去酒吧。同事们常凑钱买张卡片和礼物。你不必待一整晚——露个面就很受欢迎。

Example conversation

A: Are you coming to Dan's leaving do? B: I'll pop in for one after work, yeah.

A：你来 Dan 的离职聚会吗？ B：来，下班后去坐一会儿喝一杯。

What you could say back

“Which pub is the leaving do at?”

Related phrases

Having a whip-round Buying rounds in the pub Ordering at the bar

Go deeper

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake