The phrase "gave someone walking papers" is commonly used to describe the act of firing an employee or dismissing someone from their job. The word "walking" is pronounced /ˈwɔːkɪŋ/, with a short "o" sound in the first syllable and an "i" sound in the second syllable. The word "papers" is pronounced /ˈpeɪpərz/, with a long "a" sound in the first syllable and a "z" sound at the end. The spelling "walking papers" is used to convey the idea of being handed official documents notifying someone of their termination.
The phrase "gave someone walking papers" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of terminating or dismissing someone from their employment or position. It is a colloquialism commonly used in informal contexts.
To "give someone walking papers" essentially means to provide someone with a notice of termination or to give them their official dismissal letter. The term "walking papers" symbolizes the act of being forced to leave one's job or workplace, suggesting that the individual must leave immediately and on foot, without further explanation or discussion.
This expression often implies that the termination is sudden, involuntary, or unexpected. It suggests that the individual is being let go without any future prospects in their current workplace, and usually conveys a negative or abrupt end to their employment. The act of giving someone their walking papers may involve notifying them of their termination, outlining the reasons or circumstances that led to it, and discussing any necessary details such as final pay or severance packages.
Overall, "gave someone walking papers" encapsulates the notion of abrupt dismissal or termination, invoking imagery of a person being immediately forced to leave their job without further opportunities in the same workplace.