get the show on the road
Meaning
To start an activity, trip, or project; to begin moving or making progress, especially after delays.
Origin
From traveling shows/circuses: once performers and equipment were literally on the road, the show had begun. It broadened to mean starting any planned activity or trip.
Notes
A casual, upbeat prompt to begin, often after waiting or preparing. Common for trips, meetings, projects; mildly informal.
Examples
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Everyone’s here and the equipment is loaded, so let’s get the show on the road.
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We’ve talked about this project long enough—time to get the show on the road.
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If we want to beat traffic, we should get the show on the road by seven.
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After the final rehearsal, the director told the cast to get the show on the road.
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Grab your passport and meet me in the lobby; we need to get the show on the road.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an imperative (“Let’s get the show on the road.” / “Get the show on the road.”). ‘The show’ is fixed; tense can vary (“We got the show on the road at noon”).
Synonyms
- get going
- get started
- kick things off
- start the ball rolling
Antonyms
- drag one’s feet
- stall
- delay