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

Snowden gives the hacker community its marching orders: Fight surveillance by making privacy tools for everyone.

From The Daily Beast

Thus the new marching orders: get madder about the same old things - but in an even more deranged fashion.

From The Daily Beast

Current and former ISI officers give the Taliban their marching orders and help assist with critical fundraising in Pakistan.

From The Daily Beast

But it appears more likely that Reid and Pelosi were getting their marching orders and being read the terms of surrender.

From The Daily Beast

In similar fashion, Stern says the troops regularly received marching orders.

From The Daily Beast

What things have I heard, what awful sights have I seen since I received my marching orders!

From Project Gutenberg

He would receive his marching orders within ten minutes of the discovery of what he had done.

From Project Gutenberg

If Falconnet has got his marching orders you may be sure he's tried by hook or crook to play 'safe bind, safe find,' with Madge.

From Project Gutenberg

It was evident that the sudden marching orders had taken them all by surprise, and unsettled most of their brains.

From Project Gutenberg

"There are your marching orders, gentlemen, and a captain ready provided for you," said the honorary secretary sarcastically.

From Project Gutenberg