get a move on

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase get a move on, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression get a move on used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "get a move on"

Meaning

The phrase “get a move on” is a common idiom used to imply that someone should hurry up or move faster in order to accomplish a task. This can be used figuratively when referring to a person’s progress in any given endeavor, or literally when referring to someone’s physical speed. It is a phrase most commonly used in the imperative form in order to express a sense of urgency; it may also be used in a more subtle fashion to suggest to someone that they should speed up their work.

Etymology

The phrase “get a move on” originated in the early 19th century, and was likely derived from a combination of the verbs “get” and “move.” It was likely formed as a way to express the sense of urgency and haste associated with the physical act of moving.

Usage

The phrase “get a move on” is often used to imply that someone should hurry up or work faster. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from literal physical movement to more figurative contexts in reference to tasks that require time and effort. It is most commonly used as an imperative phrase, as in “get a move on” or “let’s get a move on.” It may also be used in a more subtle manner, as in “we need to get a move on” or “we should get a move on.”

Example Sentences

• “Come on, let’s get a move on. We need to be there by 7.”
• “It’s getting late, so we should get a move on if we want to finish in time.”
• “Get a move on, or we’ll miss the bus!”
• “We’ve been working on this for hours - it’s time to get a move on.”

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.