What does "bid 'em a bon voyage" mean?

I heard it from the gangster movie.
one of the main characters named John said :
"Steve used to take his associates out there... bid 'em a bon voyage."

Does this means Steve used to take his coworkers out to that place and wish them have a safe journey?

Please kindly advise.
Many thanks in advance.

Question

What does "bid 'em a bon voyage" mean?

I heard it from the gangster movie.
one of the main characters named John said :
"Steve used to take his associates out there... bid 'em a bon voyage."

Does this means Steve used to take his coworkers out to that place and wish them have a safe journey?

Please kindly advise.
Many thanks in advance.

Answer

If you read the statement literally, then it does mean to wish someone a good journey. However, in the context of a gangster movie, it might mean that Steve sent his associates off on a trip from which they would not return (i.e., executed them). I suppose that might be considered an idiom in gangster culture?

Answer

I agree with Darren.  Literally, it means to wish them safe travels or a good trip, but in the context of a gangster movie, it probably means he gave them a 'last goodbye' aka, he killed them. Gangsters in movies usually use a lot of coded language/slang and don't directly say what they mean since they need to be secretive.

Answer

It means safe travels/goodbye to someone about who is about to take a trip.

Answer

Yea, that’s exactly what it means, bon voyage is French for “good travels or safe travels”

Answer

@Zukhanye and @Bethy

Thank you so much for your help!
I really appreciate it!

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