marching orders

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈmɑɹtʃɪŋˌɔɹɾɹ̩z/

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

marching orders pl (plural only)

1. Instructions for action.

   I get my marching orders directly from the president.

2. (idiomatic) Dismissal: an instruction to leave.
   • 2011 October 20, Michael da Silva, “Stoke 3 - 0 Macc Tel-Aviv”, in BBC Sport‎:

     Riled by a decision that went against him, Ziv kicked his displaced boot at the assistant referee and, after a short consultation between the officials, he was given his marching orders and the loudest cheer of the night.