The phrase "handed walking papers" refers to being fired from a job. The spelling of the word "handed" is /ˈhændɪd/, while "walking papers" is /ˈwɔːkɪŋ ˈpeɪpəz/. The first word, "handed," uses the past tense and past participle of the verb "hand," indicating an action that has already taken place. The second phrase, "walking papers," refers to a document that indicates dismissal from employment. While the origins of this phrase are uncertain, it has become a common idiom in the English language.
"Handed walking papers" is an idiomatic phrase which originated from the field of employment. It refers to the act of terminating someone's employment or dismissing them from a job. When an individual is "handed walking papers," it signifies that they have been officially given notice or documentation that their services are no longer required or desired by their employer.
The term "handed walking papers" derives from the concept of being physically handed a formal notice or document, often in the form of a termination letter or pink slip, indicating the end of one's employment. This gesture of being given the papers reinforces the finality and seriousness of the situation.
The phrase can be used interchangeably with other similar terms, such as "getting the sack," "being fired," or "getting the boot." It conveys a sense of suddenness and unexpectedness, denoting that the termination was not expected or anticipated by the individual.
"Handed walking papers" is usually employed in informal conversations or narratives to describe someone's job loss or dismissal. It may also carry connotations of disappointment, shock, or frustration on the part of the person being let go, as it implies a sudden disruption in their employment status and potential consequences for their livelihood.
In conclusion, "handed walking papers" is an idiomatic expression used to depict the act of being terminated or dismissed from a job, typically through the formal delivery of a notice or document signaling the end of one's employment.