keep it moving: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘keep it moving’ mean?
"Keep it moving" means to continue forward or progress without stopping or getting distracted. It suggests maintaining a steady pace or momentum in order to achieve a goal or avoid wasting time.
Idiom Explorer
"Stay the course" means to continue with a plan or task despite difficulties or opposition, showing determination and perseverance.
The idiom "stay the course" in American English conveys the idea of perseverance and remaining steadfast in the face of challenges or difficulties. It is commonly used in various contexts - political, business, and personal - to encourage individuals or groups to continue on their chosen path, regardless of obstacles or doubts.
The idiom "keep the show on the road" means to continue with a task or activity without interruption or delay. It is often used to indicate the importance of maintaining progress or forward momentum to achieve a desired outcome or goal.
The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.
The idiom "keep it up" means to continue doing something with the same effort and determination. It is often used to encourage or praise someone for their persistence or hard work.
The idiom "keep it real" means to stay true to oneself, be genuine, and not pretend to be something or someone else.
The phrase "keep an eye out" means to be watchful or alert for something or someone, often with the aim of finding or noticing them. It is used to emphasize the importance of being observant and paying attention to one's surroundings.
The idiom "keep an eye open" means to remain alert or vigilant, to pay close attention to something or someone in order to avoid missing any important information or opportunities.
The idiom "keep a cool head" means to remain calm and composed, especially in difficult or stressful situations.
The idiom "jog on" means to go away, leave, or move on. It is often used to dismiss someone or to suggest that they should go away without causing any further trouble or interruption.
The idiom "in the fast lane" means to be living or working at a fast pace, often associated with a busy or exciting lifestyle full of activity and success.
In the fast lane is an idiomatic phrase that originates from the world of driving. Its meaning has been extended to describe the pace and intensity of life or specific activities. The idiom suggests a sense of speed, urgency, and high activity.
Constant Momentum
One of the idioms in the English language that has gained popularity in recent years is "keep it moving." This idiom is often used in informal conversations and signifies the importance of maintaining progress or forward motion. It is often employed as a way to encourage someone to continue on their path, without getting distracted or dwelling on obstacles. The phrase "keep it moving" is straightforward in its literal interpretation. It means to maintain forward momentum or progress.
One possible explanation for the popularity of this idiom is its association with American culture's emphasis on efficiency and productivity. In a fast-paced society such as the United States, "keep it moving" resonates with the desire to move quickly and not waste time. It encourages individuals to stay focused on their goals and avoid getting bogged down by distractions or setbacks.
The idiom "keep it moving" is often used in various contexts and can apply to different situations. For instance, it can be used in a workplace setting to encourage employees to stay focused on their tasks and not get sidetracked. It can also be used in personal relationships to advise individuals to move forward after a disappointment or disagreement, rather than dwelling on negative emotions.
Notably, "keep it moving" has gained popularity in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has been embraced by mainstream culture. It is often used in African American communities to communicate a sense of resilience and determination. This further demonstrates the evolving nature of idioms and their ability to transcend specific cultural boundaries.
The idiom "keep the show on the road" is related to "keep it moving" as it also emphasizes the importance of maintaining progress. It is often used to encourage individuals or groups to continue with their plans or activities, regardless of obstacles or challenges. The phrase suggests that the show, or the project, must go on despite any setbacks.
"keep on" is another related idiom that shares a similar meaning to "keep it moving." It encourages individuals to continue doing something, to persist or persevere. It implies that one should not stop or give up, but rather keep going and maintain the same level of effort or energy.
The idiom "keep it up" is also related to "keep it moving" in that it emphasizes the importance of continuous effort or progress. "Keep it up" is often used to encourage someone to maintain their current level of performance or dedication. It signifies that the individual is doing well and should continue with their actions or behavior.
"keep it moving" is a widely used idiom in modern American English. It encourages individuals to maintain forward momentum and not get distracted or discouraged by obstacles. Whether in the workplace or personal relationships, the idiom serves as a reminder to stay focused, efficient, and persistent. Its increasing popularity in African American Vernacular English further highlights its resonance and adaptability within different cultural backgrounds.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "keep it moving" can be used in a sentence:
- After realizing he was in the wrong line, the man quickly apologized and was told to keep it moving.
- During the meeting, one of the participants was getting off-topic, but the leader urged everyone to stay focused and keep it moving.
- When facing a setback, it's important to acknowledge it, learn from it, and then keep it moving towards your goals.
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