Possible Clues:

• Stop working in retreat
• Take to half of those characters in 12 across or give up working
• Three notes with bow out
• Hang up the cleats, so to speak
• Withdraw sequence of notes
• Sappers, weary, go to bed
• Quit working
• Leave work permanently and go to bed
• Go get a new Pirelli for example
• Call it a day ... or a career