The phrase "gave someone or her walking papers" is commonly used to refer to firing or letting someone go from their job. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down into individual sounds using IPA phonetic transcription. The /ɡ/ sound at the beginning is followed by the short /e/ sound in "gave." The next word, "someone," is pronounced with the /s/ sound followed by the long /oʊ/ sound in "some." "Her" is pronounced with a long /ɜr/ sound, while "walking" has a short /a/ sound followed by the /k/ and /ɪŋ/ sounds. Finally, "papers" is pronounced with a short /a/ sound followed by the /p/ and /ərz/ sounds.
To give someone or her walking papers is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of terminating someone from their job or dismissing them from their position. This phrase is often used in informal or colloquial contexts.
When someone receives their walking papers, it means that they have been formally notified or informed that their employment is being terminated. The phrase can imply that the decision is out of the recipient's control and that they are being forced to leave their job.
The expression "gave someone or her walking papers" likely originated from the idea of handing someone a document stating their dismissal or termination. It emphasizes that the person is no longer needed or wanted in their current position, essentially being told to leave their workplace and not return.
Giving someone their walking papers is usually associated with negative connotations, as it implies job loss, unemployment, and potentially a lack of future opportunities in the same field. Thus, the phrase often conveys a sense of finality and abruptness, leaving the individual to seek alternative employment or face an uncertain future.
Overall, “gave someone or her walking papers” is an idiomatic phrase used to refer to the act of dismissing or terminating someone from their job, usually done in a sudden or decisive manner.