The Village Idiom

get one's skates on

The idiom "get one's skates on" means to hurry or move quickly in order to complete a task or reach a destination.

Filed under G

In a sentence

  • She needs to get her skates on if she wants to finish the project on time.
  • The team got their skates on and managed to score three goals in the last few minutes of the game.
  • If you want to catch the train, you better get your skates on and hurry to the station.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "get one's ass in gear" is a related phrase to "get one's skates on." It carries a similar meaning of the need to hurry or act quickly. Just as one would need to move swiftly on ice skates, one also needs to get their "ass in gear" to keep up with a fast-paced situation. This informal phrase is often used in spoken language or informal writing to express a sense of urgency or the need to accelerate one's actions.

The expression "get a wiggle on" is another idiomatic phrase that shares the sense of urgency and quick action found in "get one's skates on." It is often used informally to encourage someone to speed up or hurry along. By associating the need for quickness with the image of wiggling, the idiom adds a playful and light-hearted tone to the urgency of the situation.

The idiom "get one's skates on" is a widely recognized and used phrase that conveys a sense of urgency or the need to act quickly. It shares similarities with several related idioms, such as "get one's ass in gear," "get a move on," "skate on thin ice," "get a wiggle on," and "get one's butt somewhere," all of which emphasize the importance of quickness and prompt action. These idioms are often used in informal contexts, conveying a friendly and conversational tone. They serve as reminders to stay focused, be prepared, and not waste any time when faced with time-sensitive situations.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.