get the lead out
To go faster; to hurry up.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We need to get the lead out if we want to arrive on time.”
“The manager told the team to get the lead out because the project deadline was only an hour away.”
“Realizing that the storm was approaching rapidly, the captain ordered the crew to get the lead out and secure the ship before the winds intensified.”
A shortened form of the expressions "get the lead out of one's shoes" or "get the lead out of one's pants." The term refers to the density of the metal, suggesting that the subject is being slowed by an unnecessary weight and ought to remove it in the interest of speed.
- 01
all roads lead to Rome
Different paths can take one to the same goal.
- 02
as it gets
As it is possible to be.
- 03
been there, done that, got the T-shirt
Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.
- 04
can't get enough
Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.
- 05
cat got someone's tongue
Why is someone not saying anything?
- 06
could not get elected dogcatcher
Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.
- 07
don't get someone started
Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.
- 08
five will get you ten
I strongly believe.
Last updated August 10, 2026