ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get the lead out

idiom
Meaning

To go faster; to hurry up.


Origin

disputed origin

A shortened form of get the lead out of one's shoes (or one's pants). Here, lead refers to a very heavy metal, thus the expression means roughly to get rid of whatever is slowing one down and hurry up.

Examples
SIMPLE

We need to get the lead out if we want to arrive on time.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager told the team to get the lead out because the project deadline was only an hour away.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all roads lead to Rome

    Different paths can take one to the same goal.

  2. 02

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  3. 03

    could not get elected dogcatcher

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

  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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