marching orders

plural noun

: authoritative orders or instructions especially to set out on or as if on a march

Examples of marching orders in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency, already down thousands of employees under cuts directed by the Trump administration, is also under new marching orders to slash federal spending on disaster responses, leaving bigger shares of the bills to state and local governments. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025 But his new ambassador to Ottawa, Pete Hoekstra, has said that his marching orders have nothing to do with annexation, which suggests the American president may be ready to move on. Stephen Maher, Time, 27 May 2025 The marching orders were clear for the Lakers entering Tuesday’s Game 2 matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves after their blowout loss in the series opener. Khobi Price, Oc Register, 26 May 2025 In addition to recalling George Lucas’ marching orders during the original trilogy, McDiarmid explored the psychology of a character whose kindness is a mask concealing his calculating manipulation. Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for marching orders

Word History

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of marching orders was in 1714

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Cite this Entry

“Marching orders.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marching%20orders. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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