marching orders

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His marching orders came straight from his wife, which is why that gnome won’t go up on eBay—at not least for now.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Senegal midfielder Gueye was given his marching orders by referee Tony Harrington in the 13th minute after putting his hand to Keane's face following an angry altercation.

From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025

According to Fugate and Gaynor, the full scope of the disastrous fires won’t set in for a while — but the marching orders are clear.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2025

"And apparently this was allowed because of marching orders from the top."

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2024

They talked about routes and marching orders and other military things I didn’t understand.

From "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier