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
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
That son, now a 23-year-old man, said he no longer responds unquestioningly to his father’s marching orders.
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2025
But the fact he has been given his marching orders now suggests the prime minister is feeling strong.
From BBC • Nov. 6, 2024
With Hunt and Liddy convicted, reporters and prosecutors were looking higher, wondering who had issued their marching orders.
From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin
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.
