step on it: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘step on it’ mean?
The idiom "step on it" means to hurry or accelerate, typically used as a command to someone to go faster.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take to one's heels" means to run away or flee from a dangerous or difficult situation, usually out of fear or a desire to escape. It implies a sudden and hasty retreat, indicating a sense of urgency and the need to quickly distance oneself from a threat.
The idiom *step over* means to bypass, ignore, or disregard something, usually a problem or an obstacle. It implies that a person moves forward without addressing or resolving the issue at hand.
The idiom "step over" is a commonly used phrase in English language. It refers to physically crossing over something, such as a barrier, object, or boundary, by taking a step.
The idiom "step on someone's toes" refers to unintentionally offending or encroaching upon someone's territory or role, typically causing annoyance or anger. It implies an accidental disregard for personal boundaries or a lack of consideration for others' feelings.
"Step lively" means to move quickly or energetically. It is often used as an instruction or command to hurry up or increase the pace. This idiom is commonly used in informal or casual contexts to encourage someone to move faster.
The idiom "step forward" means to take the initiative or to offer oneself for a task or responsibility.
The idiom "shake a leg" means to hurry up or get moving quickly, typically used as a command or request to someone who is taking too long or being slow. Its origin is uncertain.
The idiom "shake a leg" has been widely used in the English language for many years, and it carries a unique and intriguing meaning. While its origin remains somewhat mysterious, there are a few facts that we can establish with certainty.
The idiom "put the pedal to the metal" means to go as fast as possible, often while driving a car or working on a task. It implies a sense of urgency and the need for maximum effort or speed.
The idiom "put one foot in front of the other" means to continue moving forward, especially in the face of challenges or difficult circumstances, by taking one step at a time.
The idiom "push it" means to try to make something happen or to encourage someone to take action. It can also refer to asking someone to go faster or work harder. The phrase is often used in a motivating or urging context.
Origins Revealed
The idiom "step on it" is used in casual spoken English to express a sense of urgency or the need for increased speed. When someone tells another person to "step on it," they are essentially urging them to hurry up or accelerate their actions.
The phrase "step on it" originated in the early 20th century, during the era of automobiles. At that time, it primarily referred to pressing down on the accelerator pedal of a car to increase its speed. By exerting pressure on the accelerator pedal, the flow of fuel to the engine would increase, resulting in a quick acceleration.
Metaphorically, "step on it" has extended beyond its literal meaning of accelerating a vehicle. It now encompasses a broader idea of quick action or swift movement in various situations.
In modern usage, "step on it" is commonly used in contexts that emphasize the importance of speed, time-sensitivity, and the need to complete a task quickly. For instance, someone may say, "I'm running late for a meeting, so I need you to step on it," to convey a sense of urgency and the expectation for the other person to expedite their actions.
Interestingly, the idiomatic phrase "step on it" falls under the category of idioms related to vehicles and transportation. This category includes expressions like "floor it," which means to accelerate a vehicle to its maximum speed, and "step lively," which means to move quickly or with a sense of urgency.
The connection between "step on it" and these related idioms is their shared focus on urgency, quickness, and increased speed. While "step on it" emphasizes the need to accelerate, "floor it" specifically refers to reaching maximum speed, and "step lively" implies the importance of moving quickly and with urgency.
The usage and interpretation of the idiom "step on it" can vary slightly depending on the context and regional dialects. However, the core concept of urging someone to increase their speed or hasten their actions remains consistent. This makes "step on it" a widely understood and frequently used phrase in modern English.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "step on it" can be used in a sentence:
- He was running late for his meeting, so he told the taxi driver to step on it.
- The coach yelled at the athletes to step on it and give their best in the final stretch of the race.
- When the teacher saw the students were falling behind, she urged them to step on it and complete their assignments before the deadline.
More "Speed" idioms
