The idiom "twenty-three skidoo" was popularized in the early 20th century in the United States. It is believed to have originated in the 1920s, during the Prohibition era, when people would leave a bar or nightclub at 23rd Street in New York City to avoid being caught by the police, who were known to raid establishments serving alcohol after midnight. The phrase "twenty-three skidoo" is thought to have been coined by the bartender at a popular speakeasy on 23rd Street, who would shout "Twenty-three skidoo!" to alert patrons that it was time to leave before the police arrived. Over time, the phrase became a catch-all expression for any situation where someone needed to leave quickly or make a hasty exit. It can be used to describe a sudden departure or a hasty retreat, often without any suggestion of involvement with the police or illegal activities.

What is the origin of the idiom "twenty-three skidoo" and when to use it?

twenty-three skidoo

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The exact origin of the idiom "haul ass" is challenging to pinpoint, but it likely emerged in the mid-20th century and gained popularity in the United States. It is commonly used in casual conversations, especially among friends or peers, and can be heard in various situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "haul ass" and when to use it?

to [haul] ass

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The idiom "move one's ass" originated as a colloquial expression in American English. It emerged in the mid-20th century and gained popularity as a direct and assertive way to urge someone to take action or hurry up. This expression can be heard in various situations, such as when urging someone to complete a task quickly, encouraging swift decision-making, or prompting someone to move faster physically.

What is the origin of the idiom "move one's ass" and when to use it?

to [move] {one's} [ass]

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The idiom "white rabbit" originated from Lewis Carroll's novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," where the White Rabbit character is depicted as constantly worried about being late. It is often employed when describing or referring to individuals who are running behind schedule. It may also be used humorously or metaphorically to convey the feeling of being rushed or overwhelmed by deadlines or time constraints.

What is the origin of the idiom "white rabbit" and when to use it?

white rabbit

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The idiom "against the clock" originated from the world of sports, specifically from track and field events. In these events, athletes compete to achieve the fastest time or set a new record. The phrase "against the clock" refers to the idea of competing against time itself, as the clock measures and records the duration of the performance. It is commonly used in professional settings such as project management, business, and emergency situations, where deadlines play a crucial role.

What is the origin of the idiom "against the clock" and when to use it?

against the clock

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The idiom "beat the clock" originated in the early 20th century and has its roots in the world of entertainment, particularly in radio and television game shows. The term was popularized by the radio program "Beat the Clock," which debuted in 1949 and later transitioned to television. The show involved contestants competing against time to complete various challenges or tasks before a buzzer sounded. It is often used in project management, business, and work-related settings to emphasize the urgency and importance of meeting deadlines.

What is the origin of the idiom "beat the clock" and when to use it?

to [beat] the clock

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The origin of the idiom "cut it loose" is difficult to trace, as it has likely emerged through common usage over time. It is often used in various contexts to describe situations where timing is crucial and success is accomplished by a narrow margin.

What is the origin of the idiom "cut it loose" and when to use it?

to [cut] (it|things) close

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The origin of the idiom "get a move on" can be traced back to the early 20th century, particularly in American English. The phrase likely emerged as a colloquial expression influenced by the slang and idiomatic language of the time. It is typically employed when there is a sense of time pressure or when there is a need for prompt action. The phrase can be used in various situations and occasions, such as when someone is running late for an appointment, when there is a deadline to meet, or when there is a need to speed up the pace of a task or activity.

What is the origin of the idiom "get a move on" and when to use it?

to [get] a move on

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The idiom "get one's ass in gear" is an idiomatic expression that originated in American English, particularly in the mid-20th century. It is a colloquial and somewhat vulgar phrase that conveys the idea of urging someone to start working or taking action with greater speed, efficiency, or urgency, as if their own body or efforts were a mechanical system that needed to engage or operate more effectively. It is often used when someone is perceived as being slow, lazy, or unproductive and needs to be motivated or prompted to take action.

What is the origin of the idiom "get one's ass in gear" and when to use it?

to [get] {one's} [ass] (in|into) gear

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The idiom "jump the gun" has its origin in the sport of horse racing rather than track and field. In horse racing, a starting gun is used to signal the beginning of the race. The phrase "jump the gun" originally referred to a horse that began running before the starting signal was given, resulting in a false start. It is now commonly used when someone initiates an action or makes a judgment before the appropriate time, without having all the necessary information or considering the full consequences.

What is the origin of the idiom "jump the gun" and when to use it?

to [jump] the gun

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The idiom "shake a leg" originated in the early 19th century among sailors. In the cramped quarters of a ship, hammocks were used as beds, and when it was time to wake up, sailors would "shake a leg" to swing their legs out of the hammock and begin their day.

What is the origin of the idiom "shake a leg" and when to use it?

shake a leg

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The idiom "the clock is ticking" originates from the literal ticking sound produced by mechanical clocks. Mechanical clocks have been used for centuries to measure time, and their ticking sound has become associated with the passage of time itself. This phrase can be heard in discussions about project deadlines, exam preparations, time-limited opportunities, impending events, or any circumstance where prompt action or progress is necessary.

What is the origin of the idiom "the clock is ticking" and when to use it?

the clock [is] ticking (down|)

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The origin of the idiom "get the lead out" can be traced back to the world of military drill and discipline. In military contexts, the command "get the lead out" was used to instruct soldiers to remove the lead plug from their musket barrels before firing. The lead plug was inserted to protect the barrel during transportation and storage, but it needed to be removed before engaging in combat. It can be used in various situations where a sense of urgency or impatience is felt, such as when time is running out, deadlines are approaching, or efficiency is necessary.

What is the origin of the idiom "get the lead out" and when to use it?

to [get] the lead out

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The idiom "race against time" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the English language. Its exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, as it has evolved over time in usage. The concept of racing against time is a common metaphor used to describe situations where there is a sense of urgency to complete a task, achieve a goal, or meet a deadline. The phrase gained popularity in the mid-20th century and is often attributed to its usage in sports, particularly horse racing, where participants strive to finish a race within a specific time limit.

What is the origin of the idiom "race against time" and when to use it?

a race against (time|the clock)

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The idiom "pedal to the metal" originated from aviation. The term refers to pushing the aircraft's throttle lever (which was made of metal) fully forward, causing the engine to operate at maximum power, resulting in great speed. It is commonly used in contexts related to work, sports, competitions, or any endeavor that requires intense effort and a relentless drive for success.

What is the origin of the idiom "pedal to the metal" and when to use it?

pedal to the metal

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Explore English idioms that relate to haste, including "white rabbit" and "beat the clock".

English Idioms for "Haste"