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

“Even if the executive order isn’t accomplishing its goals, it does come off as marching orders to the rest of the federal government to pursue related goals,” he said.

From Salon

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

Davies recently traveled to the U.S. from London with marching orders from a few friends: “I’ve got to bring them back a Trader Joe’s tote.”

From The Wall Street Journal

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

That son, now a 23-year-old man, said he no longer responds unquestioningly to his father’s marching orders.

From Los Angeles Times