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the rubber meets the road

idiom
Meaning

A place or circumstance at which the implementation of a plan or intent is to be achieved.


Origin

disputed origin

A metaphor derived from the point of contact between automobile tires and pavement.

Examples
SIMPLE

Now the rubber meets the road for our new business.

CONTEXTUAL

We have finished the planning phase, and now the rubber meets the road as we start production.

COMPLEX

While the theoretical model appeared flawless in the laboratory, the project faced its true test when the rubber met the road during the initial field deployment.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bump in the road

    A setback or obstacle, especially one which is relatively minor.

  2. 02

    burn rubber

    To accelerate so rapidly from standstill that it leaves a mark of burnt rubber on the road from the tire.

  3. 03

    down the road, not across the street

    Of the technique for committing suicide, along the radial artery rather than across the wrist from side to side.

  4. 04

    frog

    [Cockney slang]road

  5. 05

    get the show on the road

    To begin or launch; to get going.

  6. 06

    go down that road

    To settle a way of doing something; do decide to do something in a particular way.

  7. 07

    go down the road

    To employ a way of doing something; to do something in a particular way.

  8. 08

    high road

    A course of action which is dignified, honourable, or respectable.

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