despatch

be mentioned in dispatches

To be recognized for one's bravery or heroism in an official report, as of a member of the military. The variant spelling "despatch" is sometimes used. Primarily heard in UK. You'll be mentioned in dispatches for saving so many men in your platoon. My grandfather was mentioned in the dispatches for his involvement in D-Day. I grew up with quite a few brave young men who went to Korea and were mentioned in the dispatches.
See also: dispatch, mention

hatch, match, and dispatch

dated The variant spelling "despatch" is sometimes used.
1. adjective Of, describing, or relating to the major events of one's life: birth ("hatch"), marriage ("match"), and death ("dispatch"). They want all this information about Grandpa to process the transfer of the deed. Do you know where I can find his hatch, match, and dispatch documents? A: "What's in that locked, fireproof box?" B: "Well, all of our hatch, match, and dispatch paperwork, for one." Grandma always talks about how you used to be able to read the hatch, match, and dispatch write-ups in the local newspaper.
2. verb To carry out the formal ceremonies associated with birth, marriage, and death. I want the same priest to marry us that hatched, matched, and dispatched Aunt Mary. It's a shock to me that Reginald is getting married. I never thought he'd be hatched, matched, and dispatched. Well, you won't be hatched, matched, and dispatched by the same priest—he was about 100 when you were born!
See also: and, dispatch

hatches, matches, and despatches

dated A phrase once used to refer to the sections of newspapers that discussed births ("hatches"), weddings ("matches"), and deaths ("despatches," a variant spelling of "dispatches"). No, those two did get married—I saw it in the hatches, matches, and despatches. Grandma always talks about how you used to be able catch up on all the local news—and gossip—by reading the hatches, matches, and despatches in the newspaper. I don't think Jane has had her baby yet—I haven't seen it in the hatches, matches, and despatches, at least.
See also: and, despatch

mentioned in dispatches

Recognized for one's bravery or heroism in an official report, as of a member of the military. The variant spelling "despatches" is sometimes used. Primarily heard in UK. You'll be mentioned in dispatches for saving so many men in your platoon.
See also: dispatch, mention
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

hatches, matches, and despatches

the births, marriages, and deaths columns in a newspaper. humorous, dated
See also: and, despatch

be mentioned in dispatches

be commended for your actions. British
In official military reports from the front line any soldiers who have been responsible for particular acts of bravery are commended by name.
See also: dispatch, mention
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.