marching orders
Americanplural noun
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Military. orders to begin a march or other troop movement.
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Informal.
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orders to start out, move on, proceed, etc..
We're just sitting by the phone, awaiting our marching orders.
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notice of dismissal from a position or job; walking papers.
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plural noun
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military orders, esp to infantry, giving instructions about a march, its destination, etc
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informal notice of dismissal, esp from employment
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informal the instruction to proceed with a task
Etymology
Origin of marching orders
First recorded in 1770–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His marching orders came straight from his wife, which is why that gnome won’t go up on eBay—at not least for now.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
He was also one of the players to be given their marching orders when Spurs were last reduced to nine players in a league match, against Chelsea in 2023.
From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025
Senegal midfielder Gueye was given his marching orders by referee Tony Harrington in the 13th minute after putting his hand to Keane's face following an angry altercation.
From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025
Enrollment has dropped below 200, but the superintendent for Catholic Schools in Los Angeles has given marching orders to Yeazel to get St. Bernard back on track.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024
I’d seen Katie stand on a chair to shout marching orders at photographers twice her age and dress down reporters who asked out-of-line questions.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
