walking-papers
Definition
Noun (plural only): - Notice of dismissal: "walking-papers" refers to a notice of dismissal from employment or a command to leave a place, used informally. - After years of poor performance, he finally received his walking-papers. (He was formally dismissed from his job.)
Usage Examples
- (She was fired due to layoffs.)
- (He was given a termination notice.)
- (You will be dismissed if you repeat the behavior.)
Advanced Usage
"to give someone his/her walking-papers": to fire or dismiss someone.
- The board gave the CEO his walking-papers after the scandal. (The CEO was terminated.)
"to get one’s walking-papers": to be fired or dismissed.
- He got his walking-papers after the merger. (He lost his job due to the merger.)
Variants and Related Words
Walking orders (n, plural): a synonym for walking-papers.
- The soldier was given his walking orders and sent home. (He was discharged from duty.)
Walking ticket (n): another synonym for walking-papers.
- She was handed her walking ticket after the audit. (She was dismissed.)
Synonyms
- Notice of termination: a formal notification ending employment.
- Pink slip: a colloquial term for a dismissal notice.
- Dear John letter: a letter ending a romantic relationship (sometimes used humorously for dismissal).
Related Idioms
Get the boot: to be fired or expelled.
- He got the boot for stealing office supplies. (He was dismissed for theft.)
Get the sack: to be dismissed from a job.
- She got the sack after missing too many deadlines. (She was fired.)
Be given the axe: to be terminated from employment.
- Several workers were given the axe during the restructuring. (They were laid off.)