English Reference
Idiom idiom

get in the boat and row


To make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group; also, to perform one's share of work.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

If we want to finish this project, everyone must get in the boat and row.

CONTEXTUAL

The team was falling behind on the deadline, so the manager reminded them that they all needed to get in the boat and row.

COMPLEX

Recognizing that the survival of the organization depended on collective action, the board members finally agreed to put aside their differences, get in the boat, and row.


From the image of a person or a group of people stepping into a boat and rowing to get it moving.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

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    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  3. 03

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    The human clitoris.

  4. 04

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    Very camp, highly campy.

  5. 05

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    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  6. 06

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    Why is someone not saying anything?

  7. 07

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  8. 08

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    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

Last updated August 10, 2026