# 23 skidoo

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/23-skidoo
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To leave, particularly quickly or at an advantageous time.

## Examples

- The party is getting boring, so let's 23 skidoo.
- When the police arrived at the illegal gathering, everyone decided it was time to 23 skidoo.
- Sensing that the situation was rapidly deteriorating, the clever spy chose to 23 skidoo before the guards could block the exit.

## Origin

From twenty-three (“get lost; get out; leave”) + skidoo (“to depart, especially quickly”). Exact origin unknown; many theories exist, though none have been universally accepted. See the Wikipedia article for more information. (unknown)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.