Give somebody their marching orders Definition 1 of 2Pro 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.