walking papers

plural noun

, Informal.

1. a notification of dismissal.

walking papers

plural noun

1. slang.
   notice of dismissal

Word History and Origins

Origin of walking papers¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Idioms and Phrases

A dismissal, as in They're downsizing, and I got my walking papers last week . This slangy expression, first recorded in 1835, refers to a written notice of dismissal.

Example Sentences

“The exchange from this board member only proves my point. The entire board and then Mr. DeJoy should be handed their walking papers. Their unquestioning support for this postmaster general is unacceptable,” he said.

From Washington Post

In seeking to right the ship by publicly distancing himself from the president’s expressed desire to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops in America’s cities, Mr. Esper practically signed his own walking papers.

From New York Times

Thirty-three years of service and this is what you get: your walking papers, with maybe a medal thrown in.

From Salon

Andrew was issued his walking papers and ordered to move his offices out of Buckingham Palace in November after a nuclear interview he gave to the BBC in which he defended his friendship with Epstein.

From Fox News

Garnering more than 57,000 signatures as of publication, the petition has caught the attention of some in Hollywood who are now joining the effort in demanding the university serve Adams his walking papers.

From Fox News