marching orders

(one's) marching orders

1. A command or direction to advance, progress, or move on. (Usually used with "get" or "give.") We were waiting for the project leader to give us our marching orders before we began development of the next iteration of the software. Bill had been living in his parents' house for nearly a year without working when he finally got his marching orders to move out.
2. A notice of dismissal from one's employment. After messing up that account, I'm terrified that I'm going to get my marching orders any day now. The boss gave Daniel his marching orders for arriving to work drunk.
See also: marche, order
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

marching orders

AMERICAN
Your marching orders are the instructions that you are given in order to carry out a plan or achieve an aim. As one White House official put it, `We're still waiting for our marching orders.' Program executives have new marching orders for Hollywood producers. Note: The above expressions relate to the army. When soldiers are given marching orders, they are ordered to march to a particular place.
See also: marche, order
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

marching orders

a dismissal or sending off.
In military terminology, marching orders are literally instructions from a superior officer for troops to depart. The North American version of the idiom is marching papers .
See also: marche, order
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (one's) marching orders
  • marche
  • (one's) marching papers
  • get (one's) marching orders
  • get your marching orders
  • marching orders, get one's
  • in marching order
  • march in time (with someone or something)
  • march in step
  • march in step (with someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
"Iyan po ang marching orders ng Presidente sa prosecution panel and that's why I think iyong pagpapatawag sa kanila is pursuant to the marching order of the President (Those are the marching orders of the President to the prosecution panel; and that's why I think their being called is pursuant to the marching order of the President)," Roque had said.
Palace vows justice for Maguindanao massacre victims
"That is the marching orders of the president to the prosecution panel and that's why I think the meeting is pursuant to the marching order of the president," he added.
Alleged urging of witnesses to retract testimonies vs Ampatuan clan alarms Palace
'Kung bibigyan nya kami ng marching orders, ipapatupad po namin 'yan,' Castriciones said.
DAR starts identifying beneficiaries of Boracay land
The defender was given his marching orders after the disgusting act in which he appeared to take aim at Nick Powell.
West Ham's Arthur Masuaku sent off for spitting while trailing to Wigan in FA Cup; Masuaku took exception to a tackle from the Wigan midfielder, sparking ugly scenes before the referee took action
ague this ers RAMSEY got his marching orders in the 80th minute for a second booking as Arsenal were held.
Ramsey red angers Arsene; RAM RAGE
The Manchester United midfielder was given his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards against Birmingham on Saturday.
UNITED BOSS ESCAPES RAP
BIBLE-bashing businessman Brian Souter wants to give a group of old soldiers their marching orders - so he can expand his church next door.
Ex-troops face boot
BOOKMAKERS reported their worst result of the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday when presenter Rav Wilding, tipped by RPSPORT to go at 8-1, got his marching orders.
Bookies go wild; STRICTLY COME DANCING
Clyde keeper David Hutton made a super stop to deny Craig Brewster before Brittain received his marching orders for kicking out at Marvyn Wilson in 27 minutes.
Cash-strapped Clyde can't buy a win
But at least she didn't get her marching orders for her slip-up.
Lt Collette McBarron
The Austrian defender has been sorely missed since receiving his marching orders in the Carling Cup tie at Manchester United on September 23.
IN BRIEF: Pogatetz pledges to stay on pitch
Dan Hughes made it through the first stage of the TV talent show in front of judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, but was given his marching orders by Sharon after being made to sing in a deserted strip club.
Sharon dashes Dan'sX-Factor's progress
SOON it will be time to give March its marching orders.
Sunday Mercury SAYS: Long may it rain
But their hopes were dented when Darren Barnard received his marching orders for a second bookable offence 12 minutes from time.
Football: Dino's dynamite; Stevenage 2 Aldershot 1
The pub's owner, Spirit Group, was left red-faced by the gaffe and was given its marching orders by a Birmingham licensing committee.
Pub left with name hangover; SUTTON