under your orders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under your orders" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to denote that someone is following the instructions or directives of a person in authority. For example, "The troops deployed at dawn, under your orders, Sir."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When the Rockettes have to be coerced to appear at your show or you're left to boast of the military bands, directly under your orders, who are playing one is witnessing not just some snobbish hostility on the part of "Hollywood" entertainers but a deeper abyss between the man about to assume power and the shared traditions of the country he represents.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

" You can find this option under the "Manage Your Orders" heading.

WikiHow

Protesters erected a sign which read: "We apologise for any inconvenience we may cause while we frack under your home," and ordered complaints to be directed to the PM's office.

The Guardian

This causes you to have to glare a little from out under your eyelids, in order to feel like you're looking out properly.

WikiHow

For large dogs that are too heavy to lift, try improvising a sling to pass under your dog in order to take some of the weight off the injured leg.

WikiHow

Last week, I got a press release about a new range of suck-you-in shaping underwear, specifically designed to be worn under your gym gear in order to look svelte while working out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Keep your trash bags rolled up and in order under your kitchen sink with this easy DIY storage trick!

Huffington Post

Doctors and medical personnel throughout Florida will soon be under new orders: Talk to your patients about gun safety and risk losing your right to practice medicine.

Huffington Post

Like millions of others, your correspondent is under orders to nab at least one of the new iPads as soon as possible, though he has no intention of losing sleep over it.

The Economist

Place them in your chosen order under a cover, title page, dedication, and whatever else you choose to add.

WikiHow

In other words, the MI5 officer was acting under orders, under official guidelines that have never been officially published.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the person whose orders are being followed is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "under your orders" in casual conversations or informal settings. Its formal tone can sound overly subservient or sarcastic if not used appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under your orders" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb and indicating the condition or authority under which an action is performed. It denotes that an action is carried out because of instructions given by someone in a position of authority, and Ludwig AI confirms this by providing examples where the phrase appears in sentences describing compliance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under your orders" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase primarily used in formal contexts to indicate compliance with a superior's directives. Ludwig AI identifies its usage in scenarios involving hierarchical relationships, commonly found in news and media, business, and wiki-based content. While semantically sound and clear in meaning, its formality makes it less suitable for casual conversations. Remember to use it when a chain of command is evident and obedience is expected to avoid sounding out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following your instructions

This phrase is a more direct and less figurative way of expressing obedience.

as you directed

This phrase emphasizes that the action was carried out exactly as instructed.

at your command

This phrase is more formal and implies immediate availability to fulfill requests.

acting on your authority

This phrase highlights that the action is legitimized by the person's authority.

in compliance with your directives

This phrase is highly formal and often used in professional or legal settings.

pursuant to your mandate

This phrase is formal and suggests a specific authorization to act.

as per your guidance

This phrase indicates adherence to specific advice or recommendations.

guided by your leadership

This phrase focuses on the influence and guidance provided by the person in charge.

by your leave

This is an archaic phrase meaning "with your permission."

subject to your approval

This phrase indicates that actions are conditional upon the person's consent.

FAQs

What does "under your orders" mean?

The phrase "under your orders" signifies that someone is acting in compliance with or following the directives of a superior or person in authority. It implies a hierarchical relationship where obedience is expected.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "under your orders"?

This phrase is most appropriate in formal settings such as military, professional, or official contexts where there is a clear chain of command. It can also be used in a humorous or sarcastic way, depending on the tone and context.

What are some alternative phrases to "under your orders"?

You can use alternatives like "following your instructions", "at your command", or "as you directed" depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "under your orders" and "with your permission"?

Yes, "under your orders" implies that you are obligated to follow instructions, whereas "with your permission" suggests that you are seeking approval before acting. The former denotes authority, while the latter denotes consent.