marching orders

American  

plural noun

1. Military. orders to begin a march or other troop movement.

2. Informal.

   1. orders to start out, move on, proceed, etc..

      We're just sitting by the phone, awaiting our marching orders.

   2. notice of dismissal from a position or job; walking papers.

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marching orders British  

plural noun

1. military orders, esp to infantry, giving instructions about a march, its destination, etc

2. informal notice of dismissal, esp from employment

3. informal the instruction to proceed with a task

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Etymology

Origin of marching orders

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

marching orders

His marching orders are to lower his agency’s profile, the Journal reported last month.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

After giving marching orders to Senate Republicans, Trump wrapped his day with a visit to Graceland, the palatial former home of Elvis Presley.

From Salon ● Mar. 23, 2026

Early in Michael McIndoe’s shift on Jan. 2, 2025, his crew got their marching orders: Pick up hoses left overnight at the scene of the Lachman fire.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 1, 2026

The Westminster councillor said she would rewrite the London police and crime plan and give "new marching orders" to the Met to "tackle crime that matters".

From BBC ● Jan. 7, 2026

One hour and fifty-five minutes after we get our marching orders, his face appears in the doorway.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen