PhrasesHub

Get the show on the road

    Definitions

      • start or begin something
        To begin a task, event, or activity that has been planned or discussed, often used to urge someone to take action or move forward with a plan

      • get going or get moving
        To start moving or progressing, often used to urge someone to leave or get started on a journey or trip

    Examples of Get the show on the road

    • Tom kept delaying the launch of the new product, saying that he needed more time to iron out the details. His team was getting restless and finally they told him, "Tom, it's time to get the show on the road. We've done all we can, it's time to take the product to the market and see how it performs."

      This idiom means to begin or start something, especially after a delay or prolonged planning stage. In this example, Tom's team is urging him to stop delaying and start selling the product, as they believe it's time to test it in the market. They want him to stop planning and theoretical discussions, and start implementing the product in real life.

    • The sales department had been discussing the new marketing campaign for months. The CEO was frustrated and said, "Enough talk, it's time to get the show on the road. I want to see the advertisements, the sales pitches, the promotional materials, and the whole campaign rolled out in the next two weeks. No more delays."

      This idiom is used to emphasize the importance of starting or implementing something in order to achieve success or resolve a situation. In this example, the CEO is tired of hearing about the campaign and wants to see action. He wants the department to stop discussing and start doing, in order to make progress and bring about results.

    • The director of the theatre company kept postponing the opening night, saying that the cast needed more rehearsals or the set required some minor adjustments. The audience was becoming restless and demanded, "It's time to get the show on the road. We've paid for our tickets and we're here to watch the play. Stop making excuses and let's have the curtain up."

      This idiom is used to indicate the need to start a performance or presentation, especially after experiencing delays or unexpected issues. In this example, the audience is tired of waiting and wants the show to start. They have already paid for their tickets and are excited to watch the play. They want the director to stop making excuses and start the performance.

    • The construction workers had faced several challenges during the building project, including shortage of funds, labor issues, and regulatory delays. The project manager said, "We've faced enough setbacks, it's time to get the show on the road. Let's put our shoulders to the wheel and complete the project as soon as possible."

      This idiom is used to suggest that it's time to move forward, especially when facing difficulties or setbacks. In this example, the project manager is acknowledging the challenges that the workers have faced, but he wants them to stop dwelling on the issues and start working to complete the project. He wants them to put in their efforts and finish the project, no matter what obstacles they may have faced.

    • The CEO told the sales team to get the show on the road with their new marketing campaign.

      This means that the CEO wants the sales team to start implementing and executing their new marketing strategy as soon as possible. It's like getting a show ready for opening night and getting it on the road to tour around the country.

    • Jack was tired of the meetings and wanted to get the show on the road with his new business venture.

      Jack was ready to stop discussing and planning his new business and start taking action. He wanted to stop delaying and start implementing his ideas.

    • The construction project had been delayed for months, and the contractor finally ordered the materials and got the show on the road.

      The contractor stopped procrastinating and started working on the construction project. He ordered the necessary materials and began the construction process.

    • The project manager told the team they needed to get the show on the road if they wanted to meet the deadline.

      The project manager was urging the team to start working on the project if they wanted to finish it before the deadline. It's like a show's opening night - the team needed to start performing and executing the project to meet the deadline.


    Conclusion

    In summary, "get the show on the road" is an idiom used to encourage someone to start or begin something. It can refer to both starting a task or event, as well as physically getting moving or going on a journey. It implies a sense of urgency and motivation to take action and make progress towards a goal.

    Origin of "Get the show on the road"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It may have originated in the world of entertainment, specifically with circuses or traveling shows, where the phrase would be used to urge performers to begin their show and get the audience engaged. Another theory suggests it may have originated in the world of transportation, where it was used to encourage drivers to start their engines and get on the road.

    Regardless of its specific origin, the idiom has become widely used and is now a part of everyday language. It is often used in informal or colloquial settings, but can also be used in more formal situations to add a sense of urgency or motivation. Its use has also extended beyond its original meanings and can now be used in a variety of contexts, such as starting a project, making progress on a task, or even just getting started on a daily routine.