Idiom
get the show on the road
Meanings
To begin an activity, project, or event after preparations; to start proceeding.
To set off on a journey or begin traveling, especially after getting ready to leave.
Definition
To get the show on the road means to start an activity or begin moving after preparations.
If you get the show on the road, you begin doing something after planning or waiting. It often suggests you are ready and want to start without further delay. It can also mean to set off and begin a trip. The phrase is informal and common in American English.
Examples
- We’ve talked enough—let’s get the show on the road.
- Once the budget was approved, we got the show on the road.
- It’s already nine; we should get the show on the road if we want to arrive by noon.
- After a quick rehearsal, the band got the show on the road.
- Grab your bag and get the show on the road.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it for “be successful,” but it means “start” or “set off,” not “do well.”
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.