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Marching orders
01
a set of instructions from a person in authority concerning what one must do or how to do it
Dialect
American
American
Idiom
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
marching orders
What is the origin of the idiom "marching orders" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "marching orders" can be traced back to military terminology. In military operations, "marching orders" referred to the specific instructions given to soldiers regarding their movement, formation, and objectives. It provided clear guidance on the route, timing, and actions required during a march or campaign. It is commonly used in professional settings, such as workplaces, military operations, sports teams, or project management.
Examples
The team got its marching orders from the director and started work immediately.
02
a notice that a person receives, asking them to leave a place or job
Dialect
British
British
Examples
She was called into the boss's office and given her marching orders.
