Definition
Get on with it is an idiomatic expression in English used to urge someone to begin or continue an activity without further delay. It functions as an imperative command, often employed to indicate impatience or the desire to move past discussion and proceed to action.
Lexical Category
- Phrase (idiom)
- Imperative mood
Usage
The phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, particularly in informal or conversational settings. Typical scenarios include:
- Prompting a person to start a task: “We’ve been talking for half an hour; get on with it.”
- Encouraging continuation after a pause: “After the break, let’s get on with it.”
Synonyms
- Proceed
- Carry on
- Move forward
- Continue
Etymology
The construction combines the verb get (Middle English geten, meaning “to obtain” or “to become”) with the prepositional phrase on with, which in early modern English signified “in the direction of” or “with respect to.” The imperative form get on has been recorded since at least the 16th century with meanings related to “proceed” or “continue.” The addition of it as a pronoun to refer to the specific activity being discussed solidified the modern idiom by the late 19th century.
Historical Attestation
- The Oxford English Dictionary lists get on in the sense “to make progress” from the 16th century.
- The phrase get on with it appears in printed sources from the early 20th century, for example in periodicals and novels where characters use it to convey impatience or a desire to resume work.
Cultural Notes
The idiom is prevalent in British and American English, though the tone may vary: in British usage it can carry a slightly more informal or brusque nuance, whereas in American usage it is often neutral. It is frequently encountered in workplace communication, educational settings, and media scripts.
References
- Cambridge Dictionary, “get on with it.”
- Merriam‑Webster Dictionary, entry for “get on.”
- Oxford English Dictionary, “get on” (verb).
No speculative or unverified information is presented.