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— John Milton

Say, Heavenly Muse, shall not thy sacred vein 15

Afford a present to the Infant God?

Hast thou no verse, no hymn, or solemn strain,

To welcome him to this his new abode,

…

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noun

A way or means of approaching or entering; an entrance; a passage.

“Writers often choose access when discussing complex ideas.”

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Dictionary Entry

walking papers

Part of SpeechnounPronunciation/ˈwɔːkɪŋ ˈpeɪpərz/

A request to leave a place.

In a Sentence

“When John was fired, his boss handed him his walking papers and told him to leave immediately.”

Origin

Early 20th‑century US slang, referring to the literal papers given to a dismissed employee.

Common Phrases

Still being gathered for this entry.

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Synonyms

marching orderswalking ticket

Antonyms

invitationwelcome

Related Words

leavewayleaveby-your-leaveticket of leavegardening leavewaiverway leavene exeat

Poetry examples for “walking papers”

Excerpts from the ReadingWillow English Library collection.

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