get with the program: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get with the program’ mean?
The idiom "get with the program" means to understand and conform to the expectations or requirements of a particular situation or group. It implies that someone needs to become more aware, engaged, or up to date with what is happening around them.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on with you" means to continue or proceed with something. It is often used to encourage someone to move forward or make progress in a situation or task.
This idiom means to adapt to a situation or circumstance without resisting or trying to control it. It implies going along with whatever is happening and not trying to change or fight against it.
The idiom "go with" means to accompany or choose something/someone, often in a romantic or social context. It can also mean to be compatible or harmonious with something/someone. The specific meaning depends on the context of its usage.
The idiom "go through with" means to complete or follow through with a plan, action, or commitment despite difficulties or hesitations.
The idiom "go along to get along" means to conform or agree with others in order to avoid conflict or maintain harmony, often sacrificing personal opinions or beliefs.
The idiom "get to grips with" means to become familiar with or understand something difficult or challenging. It implies taking control and actively engaging with the subject matter in order to overcome any obstacles or difficulties.
The idiom "get together" means to meet or gather with someone or a group of people, typically for socializing or discussing something.
The idiom "get the show on the road" means to start or begin an activity or event. It is often used to suggest that it is time to stop planning or talking and actually start doing something.
The idiom "get there" means to achieve a goal or reach a desired destination. It implies successfully completing a task or journey.
The idiom "get the point" means to understand or grasp the main idea or message being conveyed.
Crack the Code
The idiom "get with the program" is a common expression in English that is often used in informal conversations. It is typically used to convey a sense of urgency or the need for someone to align their actions or thoughts with the prevailing situation or expectations. The phrase can be interpreted as a call to action or a gentle admonishment for someone who may be considered slow or resistant to change.
One possible theory regarding the origin of this idiom is its connection to the rise of technology and computer programming in the latter part of the 20th century. As computers and technology became more prevalent in society, the phrase "get with the program" may have emerged as a metaphorical expression, urging individuals to adjust their mindset or behavior to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements.
Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated in the realm of sports. In team sports, coaches often urge their players to "get with the program" to ensure that they understand and execute the team's strategies and tactics. The idiom may have then transitioned into everyday language, used in diverse contexts beyond the realm of sports.
Throughout the years, "get with the program" has permeated various domains of pop culture, including movies, books, music, and television shows. This widespread usage has contributed to the familiarity and acceptance of the idiom among English speakers, particularly in the United States.
The idiom "get with the program" does not have a single universally accepted literal meaning. It often depends on the context in which it is used. However, some common interpretations include catching up, adapting, conforming, or aligning oneself with the expectations or requirements of a particular situation.
One related idiom is "go along to get along". This phrase suggests that in order to maintain peace or avoid conflict, one should comply with the prevailing norms or expectations. It is similar to "get with the program" in the sense that it encourages individuals to align themselves with the current circumstances or group dynamics.
Another related idiom is "get to grips with". This phrase implies the need to fully understand or come to terms with a situation or concept. It is comparable to "get with the program" in that it emphasizes the importance of adapting or familiarizing oneself with a specific subject or set of circumstances.
Similarly, "come to grips with" conveys the idea of adjusting or accepting a challenging or difficult situation. Like "get with the program", it suggests the need to align one's actions or thoughts with the prevailing circumstances in order to effectively navigate or cope with them.
Lastly, "get in" is a related idiom that signifies the act of becoming involved or participating in a particular activity or opportunity. It can be seen as a synonym for "get with the program" in that it encourages individuals to actively engage or integrate themselves into a given situation or context.
The idiom "get with the program" has evolved over time to become a widely recognized and frequently used expression in English. Its origins remain somewhat elusive, with potential connections to technological advancements and the realm of sports. Nevertheless, its meaning continues to convey the idea of aligning one's actions or thoughts with the prevailing circumstances or expectations of a given situation. The related idioms "go along to get along", "get to grips with", "come to grips with", and "get in" all share a similar emphasis on adapting, conforming, or aligning oneself with the demands of a specific context. As language and cultural trends evolve, the idiom will likely continue to thrive, adapting to new contexts and providing a concise way to convey the need for adaptability or swift action.
Example usage
An example of the idiom "get with the program" used in a sentence could be: "Come on, it's time to get with the program and start working on this project."
Another example could be: "If you want to succeed in this company, you need to get with the program and adapt to the new technology."
One more example is: "We've been waiting for you to get with the program and follow the new guidelines."
The idiom "get with the program" is used to urge someone to understand and comply with the current situation or expectations. It implies that the person needs to align themselves with others or update their behaviors or attitudes to meet the required standards. It is often used to convey a sense of impatience or frustration with someone's lack of compliance or understanding.
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