get a wiggle on: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get a wiggle on’ mean?
The idiom "get a wiggle on" means to hurry up or move quickly. It is used to urge someone to speed up their actions or to encourage them to stop procrastinating. The phrase is informal and often used in casual or playful contexts.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom frequently used is "in two shakes", which means to happen quickly or without much delay. This phrase is often used to express the speed at which something can be done or accomplished.
The idiom "in the wink of an eye" means to happen very quickly or to be done in an instant.
An idiom meaning to do something quickly and efficiently, often describing the completion of multiple tasks or actions in a single swift and decisive motion.
The idiom "hurry up and wait" means to rush or be quick to do something, only to have to wait for a long time for the desired outcome or result. It reflects the frustrating and often futile nature of constantly being in a state of urgency followed by a period of inactivity.
The idiom "hop the wag" means to escape or sneak away, often from a situation or responsibility. It is similar to the idiom "jump ship" and is believed to originate from wagons used in transportation.
The idiom "hook it" means to quickly leave or depart from a place or situation. It is often used in a casual or informal context and implies a sense of urgency or haste.
An idiom that means to gain momentum or build up force, often used in the context of a person or group gathering energy or enthusiasm for a task or goal.
The idiom *have one's wig snatched* means to be caught off guard or surprised, typically in a humiliating or embarrassing way.
Decoding the Hustle
The idiom "get a move on" is another colloquial expression that carries a similar meaning to "get a wiggle on." It is used to urge someone to hurry up or move more quickly. Like "get a wiggle on," this idiom is informal and can be used in a playful or light-hearted manner.
Similarly, the idiomatic expression "get moving" is used to encourage someone to start moving or take action promptly. It carries a sense of urgency and is often used in situations where time is of the essence.
Another related idiom is "get one's skates on," which is often used in British English. It means to hurry up or move quickly, and it conveys a sense of urgency similar to "get a wiggle on" and the other related idioms.
Lastly, the idiom "get the lead out" is another expression used to urge someone to move more quickly. It is often used to convey a sense of urgency and promptness, emphasizing the need to take swift action.
Overall, these related idioms all share a common theme of urging someone to hurry or move more quickly. "Get a wiggle on," "get a move on," "get moving," "get one's skates on," and "get the lead out" all serve to emphasize the importance of prompt action and efficiency in various situations.
Whether it is completing a task, meeting a deadline, or simply moving more efficiently in day-to-day activities, these idioms can be used to encourage and motivate others to act promptly. Their informal and playful nature adds a sense of lightness and camaraderie to interactions, making them more enjoyable and lighthearted.
It is worth noting that while these idioms are widely understood and used in American and British English, their usage may vary in other English-speaking countries. Regional dialects and cultural contexts can influence the popularity and recognition of these idioms in different parts of the world.
"get a wiggle on" and its related idioms are informal expressions that are commonly used to urge someone to hurry up or move more quickly. They convey a sense of urgency and promptness, emphasizing the importance of taking swift action. While their usage may vary in different English-speaking countries, these idioms are widely understood and add a playful and lighthearted touch to conversations.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "get a wiggle on" can be used:
- Before the party starts, we need to get a wiggle on and finish setting up the decorations.
- If you want to catch the bus, you better get a wiggle on and hurry up!
- The project deadline is approaching, so we need to get a wiggle on and start working on it.
More "Procrastination" idioms
