Give somebody their marching orders
phrase
To tell someone to leave, especially because they are no longer needed or wanted.
After the poor performance in the last project, the manager gave him his marching orders.
Often appears as...
- get given your marching orders
- receive your marching orders
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To tell someone to go somewhere or do something as a matter of urgency.
The soldiers were given their marching orders to proceed to the battleground.
Often appears as...
- issue marching orders
- follow marching orders
phrase
To tell someone to leave, especially because they are no longer needed or wanted.
After the poor performance in the last project, the manager gave him his marching orders.
Often appears as...
- get given your marching orders
- receive your marching orders
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To tell someone to go somewhere or do something as a matter of urgency.
The soldiers were given their marching orders to proceed to the battleground.
Often appears as...
- issue marching orders
- follow marching orders
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Implication
The phrase often implies a person did something wrong or is unwelcome.
After ruining the surprise party, Jake got his marching orders.
Pro Tip 2/3Job Termination
Commonly used in professional environments when someone is being fired.
Due to budget cuts, several employees were given their marching orders.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
Usually found in informal settings or casual conversation, not formal documents.
In the meeting, the boss informally gave her the marching orders.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Implication
The phrase often implies a person did something wrong or is unwelcome.
After ruining the surprise party, Jake got his marching orders.
Pro Tip 2/3Job Termination
Commonly used in professional environments when someone is being fired.
Due to budget cuts, several employees were given their marching orders.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
Usually found in informal settings or casual conversation, not formal documents.
In the meeting, the boss informally gave her the marching orders.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Implication
The phrase often implies a person did something wrong or is unwelcome.
After ruining the surprise party, Jake got his marching orders.
Pro Tip 2/3Job Termination
Commonly used in professional environments when someone is being fired.
Due to budget cuts, several employees were given their marching orders.
Pro Tip 3/3Conversational Tone
Usually found in informal settings or casual conversation, not formal documents.
In the meeting, the boss informally gave her the marching orders.
Never forget "Give somebody their marching orders"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension