walking papers
LowInformal
Definition
Meaning
An official notice of dismissal from a job.
A formal notification ending any arrangement, position, or membership; a figurative dismissal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
It is an idiomatic, uncountable noun phrase (treated as plural). It carries a final, often negative connotation of forced termination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'walking papers' is standard. In British English, 'marching orders' is the more common equivalent.
Connotations
Both imply a definitive and often unwelcome dismissal. 'Walking papers' can sound slightly more bureaucratic or dated.
Frequency
More frequent in American English; understood but less common in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] get/receive/hand (someone) their walking papers.[Subject] be given one's walking papers.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get the sack”
- “be shown the door”
- “get the boot”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used informally in HR contexts to refer to involuntary termination.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in sociological studies of employment.
Everyday
Common in conversations about job loss.
Technical
Not used in technical legal or HR documents, where 'termination notice' is standard.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was given his marching orders last Friday.
American English
- The company walked him out by noon.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He was sad because he lost his job.
- After the mistake, she got her walking papers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone sadly **walking** out of the office holding the **papers** that ended their job.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISMISSAL IS BEING SENT AWAY / DISMISSAL IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (papers) TO BE CARRIED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'гуляющие бумаги'.
- Avoid confusing with 'расчётный лист' (payslip).
- Closest concept: 'уведомление об увольнении'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular noun: 'a walking paper' (incorrect).
- Using it for voluntary resignation.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'get your walking papers' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal. Formal documents use 'termination notice' or 'notice of dismissal'.
Yes, metaphorically. E.g., 'After that terrible performance, the coach got his walking papers.'
'Marching orders' is the most direct equivalent in British English.
Typically yes, as it implies involuntary dismissal. It would not be used for a happy retirement or resignation.