Get the Lead Out of One’s Feet - Ever felt as slow as a tortoise on vacation? This idiom is your boot in the (metaphorical) behind! Urging you to shake off lethargy and get moving, the phrase hails from the good ol’ U.S.A. during the chest-thumping era of World War II.
Whether barked out by a drill sergeant or a frustrated parent, it’s a clear message: stop dawdling and get going.
Synonyms and Similar Expressions
- 🏃♂️ Chop-chop!: A snappier way of saying “hurry up!”
- 🚀 Shake a leg: Another energetic invitation to move faster.
- 🚨 Get cracking: Means to commence immediately.
- ⚡ Step on it: Drive faster or move quicker — you choose!
- 🐇 Hop to it: Like an energized bunny, get started now!
Antonyms
- 🐢 Take your sweet time: Relax, no rush necessary.
- 🐌 Slow as molasses: Yes, we see you, slowly but surely.
Quotes and Wisdom
- “Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.” — H. Jackson Brown Jr.
- “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” — Mark Twain
- “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” — Sam Levenson
Suggested Literature
- “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac: Feel the rush of spontaneity with every mile.
- “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle: An elegant reminder to seize the present.
Movies and Entertainment
- 🎥 Dead Poets Society: “Carpe Diem” moments are aplenty.
- 🎬 Whiplash: A drumroll-worthy look at urgency and persistence.
- 🎶 “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor: The anthem of ‘Not Now, RIGHT NOW!’
### Which of these is a recognized variant of "Get the lead out of one's feet"?
- [x] Shake a leg
- [ ] Square a circle
- [ ] Paint the town red
- [ ] Jump the shark
> **Explanation:** "Shake a leg" is indeed a variant encouraging someone to hurry up, much like "Get the lead out of one's feet."
### What era contributed to the popularity of "Get the lead out of your feet"?
- [ ] The Middle Ages
- [ ] The Renaissance
- [x] World War II
- [ ] The Civil Rights Movement
> **Explanation:** The idiom gained significant traction during World War II, particularly within the armed services.
### Which is the complete idiom meaning "stop delaying"?
- [ ] Get out of the rain
- [x] Get the Lead Out of One’s Feet
- [ ] Go fly a kite
- [ ] Break the ice
> **Explanation:** "Get the lead out of one’s feet" is an idiom urging haste, whereas the others have different meanings.
### Fill in the missing word: "Shake a ___"
- [ ] rock
- [x] leg
- [ ] hand
- [ ] tree
> **Explanation:** "Shake a leg" is another idiom with similar meaning to "Get the lead out."
### True or False: "Get the lead out" is essentially an invitation to relax.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Get the lead out" is quite the opposite; it's an urgent call to get moving!
M. Speedysteps’ Final Thought: “In the words of William James, ‘Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.’ So whether it’s life or work, dare to shake off the lead with each step you take.”
