The Village Idiom

jolly along

The idiom "jolly along" means to encourage or persuade someone to do something, often in a cheerful or lighthearted manner.

Filed under J

In a sentence

  • She tried to jolly along her friend who was feeling down.
  • The coach jollied along the team to motivate them before the big game.
  • The children jollied along their younger sibling to join in the fun.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "come along" is closely related to "jolly along." While "jolly along" focuses on encouraging or persuading someone to do something, "come along" adds the element of physically joining someone in their journey or progress. When someone says, "Come along, I'll jolly you along," they are not only motivating the individual but also offering to accompany them on their task or adventure. This creates a sense of companionship and teamwork, reinforcing the idea that the person being encouraged is not alone in their efforts.

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