marching orders

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.

marching orders

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of marching orders¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Did Nexstar and Sinclair take marching orders directly from the White House, or did their leaders just seize an opportunity to curry favor and demonstrate obedience in advance?

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

And thus Rob Pelinka, their newly minted president of basketball operations with a newly extended contract, has been giving his summer marching orders.

From Los Angeles Times

Social media platforms often resist moderation for business purposes, but under political pressure, they will act upon moderation marching orders from whoever is in power.

From Salon

With such a strong leader, the Democratic Party would now have its marching orders instead of being lost and slowly forming a circular firing squad.

From Salon