get a move on

Idioms and Phrases

Also, get cracking or going or rolling . Hurry up; also, start working. For example, Get a move on, it's late , or Let's get cracking, kids , or It's time we got going , or The alarm went off ten minutes ago, so get rolling . The first colloquial expression dates from the late 1800s. The second term, also colloquial, employs the verb to crack in the sense of “travel with speed,” a usage dating from the early 1800s, but the idiom dates only from the first half of the 1900s. The third term dates from the late 1800s and also has other meanings; see get going . Get rolling alludes to setting wheels in motion and dates from the first half of the 1900s. Also see get busy ; get on the stick .

Example Sentences

The incoming administration will want to get a move on.

From BBC

“Whatever you say there, Puff. We’re all ready to go, so let’s get a move on!”

From Literature

“I see. Well, now you know, so hang those up and let’s get a move on. Vauxhall Cross has us under the microscope, and I will not let us fall behind schedule before the mission’s even started.”

From Literature

“Sometimes disruption and even material destruction can help you rethink your priorities. Something about that Ridgetop fire told me it was time to get a move on. I was anxious to get back home.”

From Salon

"Everyone has to get a move on. A lot of these solutions, we can do today - so there's no point waiting."

From BBC

Related Words

• advance
• boost
• expedite
• facilitate
• fly
• further
• hasten
• help
• hurry
• promote
• quicken
• ride
• run
• rush
• zoom