crack on: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘crack on’ mean?
The idiom "crack on" means to continue doing something with determination and without delay. It implies a sense of perseverance and focus in order to complete a task or achieve a goal.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "press on" means to continue or persevere, despite difficulties or obstacles. It implies determination and the refusal to give up. It can be used to encourage someone to keep going, even when faced with challenges.
The idiom "drag on" means to continue or last longer than desired or expected, often resulting in boredom, frustration, or exhaustion.
The idiom "do it tough" means to face or endure a difficult or challenging situation with determination and resilience.
The idiom "die on the vine" means to fail or end without achieving success or completion. It is often used to describe a project, plan, or idea that does not progress or develops further.
The idiom "die on one's arse" means to fail miserably or to have a plan or endeavor go completely wrong, resulting in no success or progress.
The idiom "crack up" means to burst into uncontrollable laughter or to mentally or emotionally collapse due to stress or pressure.
"Crack down" means to take strict action or enforce rules more severely, usually to address a problem or control a situation. It implies a forceful approach to tackle an issue or deal with misconduct.
The idiom "crack a smile" means to suddenly show a brief smile or to finally smile, often when one is feeling unhappy or trying to hide their emotions.
The idiom "crack a crust" means to break or open the hard outer layer or shell of something. It can also refer to a person who has a tough or unyielding exterior but shows vulnerability or softness underneath.
Swift Progress
The idiom *crack on* is a commonly used expression in both British and American English. It is used to encourage someone to continue or persevere with a task or activity, even in the face of difficulties or obstacles. The phrase *crack on* is believed to have originated from the British slang term *crack,* which means to move quickly or energetically.
The exact origins of the idiom *crack on* are unclear, but it is believed to have gained popularity during the early 20th century. Its usage can be traced back to British military slang, where it was used to rally troops and urge them to continue with their duties. Over time, the phrase found its way into everyday language, particularly in the UK, and is now commonly used in a variety of contexts.
Typically, *crack on* is used in an informal and casual manner. It is often employed in work or social situations to encourage someone to keep working, progress with a task, or avoid distractions. The phrase conveys motivation, determination, and a willingness to overcome challenges. It can also express a sense of urgency or the need to work efficiently.
The idiom *crack on* can be used to encourage someone who is feeling tired or demotivated to keep going. It can also urge someone to continue with a project or pursue a goal despite setbacks. The idiom conveys a sense of forward momentum and the importance of not getting sidetracked.
The meaning and usage of *crack on* can vary depending on the context and individuals involved in the conversation. While it is primarily used in informal settings, it can also be used in more formal situations depending on the speaker's tone and intent.
Another related idiom is *press on*. This phrase has a similar meaning to *crack on* and is often used interchangeably. *Press on* is also used to encourage someone to keep going or continue with a task despite difficulties or obstacles.
The idiom *crack through* is another related phrase. It suggests breaking through barriers or overcoming obstacles to reach a goal or achieve success. It conveys determination and the willingness to do whatever it takes to accomplish a task or objective.
The idiom *crack on* is a commonly used expression that encourages individuals to persist with a task or activity. Its origins can be traced back to British slang, and it has since become a popular phrase in both British and American English. The idiom conveys motivation, determination, and the importance of not giving up. It is often used in informal settings but can be adapted to various contexts and situations. Overall, *crack on* serves as a reminder to keep working diligently and strive towards achieving one's goals.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "crack on" can be used:
1. Despite feeling tired, I knew I had to crack on with my work to meet the deadline.
2. Instead of getting discouraged by the challenging task, she decided to crack on and give it her best shot.
3. The team faced many obstacles, but they didn't let that stop them. They cracked on and managed to achieve their goal.
More "Usage" idioms
