walking

*one's walking papers

Fig. a notice that one is fired from one's job. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give one ~.) Well, I'm through. I got my walking papers today. They are closing down my department. I guess I'll get my walking papers soon.

See also: paper

within walking distance

close enough to walk to. is the train station within walking distance? My office is within walking distance from here.

See also: distance, within

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be floating/walking on air

to be very happy and excited because something very pleasant has happened to you When the doctor told me I was going to have a baby, I was walking on air.

See also: air

be walking/treading on eggshells

if you are walking on eggshells, you are trying very hard not to upset someone

Usage notes: An eggshell is the hard outside covering of an egg which breaks very easily.

It was like walking on eggshells with my father. The smallest thing would make him angry.

See also: eggshell

give somebody their walking papers  (American)

to tell someone they must leave their job The manager gave his old secretary her walking papers and hired his daughter to do the job. (American)

See be floating on air, be walking on eggshells, be on thin ice

See also: give, paper