get moving: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘get moving’ mean?

The idiom get moving means to start or begin doing something, usually in a fast or active manner.

Idiom Explorer

Unveiling Inertia

*get a move on*, one related idiom to *get moving*, is commonly used to urge or encourage someone to hurry up or start taking action. It adds a sense of urgency to the phrase, emphasizing the need to move quickly or expedite a task. When someone is told to *get a move on*, it serves as a reminder that time is of the essence and prompt action is required.

Another related idiom is *make a move*. Just like *get moving*, *make a move* is used to prompt or encourage someone to take action or make progress. It implies that it's time to stop hesitating or delaying and start making tangible steps towards a goal or desired outcome. When someone is told to *make a move*, it signifies the need for them to stop pondering and start acting.

The car's quick acceleration caused a sudden motion.

*get the ball rolling* is another idiom related to *get moving*. It refers to the act of initiating or starting a task, project, or event. When someone is told to *get the ball rolling*, it means that they should take the necessary steps to begin the process or get things started. It conveys the importance of taking the first action and getting the momentum going.

*get one's ass in gear* is a more informal idiom that is also related to *get moving*. It carries a stronger sense of urgency and emphasis on prompt action. When someone is told to *get their ass in gear*, it means that they should stop wasting time or being inactive and start moving forward. It adds a level of intensity to the phrase, implying that there is no time to waste.

Lastly, *get the lead out* is another idiomatic expression related to *get moving*. It is often used to convey the need for someone to act quickly or without delay. When someone is told to *get the lead out*, it signifies that they should remove any obstacles, hesitations, or delays that are preventing them from taking action. It serves as motivation to overcome any barriers and move forward.

*get moving* is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal speech and writing to urge or encourage someone to start taking action or to hurry up. It can be related to idioms such as *get a move on*, *make a move*, *get the ball rolling*, *get one's ass in gear*, and *get the lead out*. Each of these idioms adds a unique emphasis or sense of urgency to the act of getting started or taking action. Whether it's emphasizing the need to hurry up, stop hesitating, initiate a task, or remove obstacles, these idioms serve to motivate and prompt individuals to get moving and make progress.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "get moving" can be used in a sentence:

  • It's time to get moving and start our journey.
  • We need to get moving if we want to catch the train.
  • He finally got moving on his new project after months of procrastination.

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