ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get out of Dodge

idiom
Meaning

To leave, especially to leave a difficult or dangerous environment with all possible haste.


Origin

disputed origin

An allusion to Dodge City, Kansas, a busy cattle town in the late 19th century notorious for gunfighters, gambling, brothels and saloons. Possibly inspired by the radio and television series Gunsmoke (1952–1975).

Examples
SIMPLE

The party became too loud, so we decided to get out of Dodge.

CONTEXTUAL

When the storm warnings started appearing on the news, we packed our bags and decided to get out of Dodge immediately.

COMPLEX

Realizing that the political situation in the capital was rapidly deteriorating, the ambassador advised his staff to get out of Dodge before the borders closed.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  2. 02

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  3. 03

    dodge a bullet

    To have a narrow escape; to avoid injury, disaster, or some other undesirable situation.

  4. 04

    don't get someone started

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

  5. 05

    five will get you ten

    I strongly believe.

  6. 06

    get a charge out of

    To derive excitement, entertainment, or pleasure from.

  7. 07

    get a clue

    To become aware of the obvious reality of a situation, often used as a command to indicate frustration

  8. 08

    get a fix

    To obtain something necessary, especially a dose of an addictive drug or anything else compulsively sought after.

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