get with the times: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get with the times’ mean?
The idiom "get with the times" means to adapt to or accept new ideas, technology, or social norms.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in this day and age" refers to the present time or era, emphasizing its contrast with the past. It expresses the idea that things have changed significantly and highlights the modern advancements and developments that currently exist.
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.
This idiom means to change one's opinion or support in order to align with the majority, often due to perceived benefits or social pressure.
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 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.
The idiom "get wet" means to be exposed to or experience something new or unfamiliar, often in a difficult or challenging way. It implies facing a novel situation that may be uncomfortable or outside one's comfort zone.
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 it how one lives" means to do whatever is necessary or to go to great lengths to obtain something, often with a sense of determination or resilience.
Cracking Cultural Shifts
The idiom "get with the times" is a commonly used phrase in English, which means to adapt to or accept new ideas, technologies, or ways of thinking. This idiom emphasizes the importance of staying current and up-to-date in a rapidly changing world.
The origin of the phrase "get with the times" is unclear, as idioms often evolve naturally over time without a definitive origin. It is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century, gaining popularity in the United States. This idiom encourages individuals to keep pace with the latest developments in various aspects of life, such as technology, fashion, social norms, and cultural shifts. By using this idiom, speakers imply that those who resist change or cling to outdated practices are out of touch or behind the times.
In the context of technology, "get with the times" often refers to updating one's knowledge or skills to keep pace with advancements. In this sense, it encourages individuals to embrace new tools, software, or platforms that are prevalent in their field. Instead of falling behind the times, individuals are urged to get with the program and stay relevant in their industry. This is particularly crucial in rapidly evolving fields like technology, where outdated skills can quickly render one obsolete. To avoid being seen as behind the times, professionals must continuously update their knowledge and adapt to changing trends.
However, "get with the times" can also be used more broadly to criticize someone for holding onto old-fashioned or traditional ideas, especially when those ideas conflict with modern values or societal progress. It highlights the importance of open-mindedness and the willingness to adapt to new perspectives. Individuals who are reluctant to embrace change and prefer to stick to outdated norms are often described as being behind the times. To be effective in a dynamic and constantly evolving world, it is essential to be flexible and go with the flow. Instead of resisting change and holding onto outdated practices, individuals are encouraged to go along to get along and adapt to the new reality.
It is worth noting that the idiom "get with the times" is informal and primarily used in conversation or informal writing. Its usage may vary depending on the regional dialect or context. However, its meaning remains consistent across different English-speaking regions. This idiom is used to remind individuals that staying stagnant and refusing to embrace change can lead to being left behind. To avoid being seen as out of touch, individuals must strive to be up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. Instead of being behind the times, individuals are encouraged to stay ahead of the curve and actively participate in the ongoing progress of society.
The idiom "get with the times" serves as a reminder to adapt, evolve, and embrace change in a rapidly evolving world. It conveys the message that resisting or rejecting new ideas and advancements can lead to being outdated or irrelevant. By staying current and embracing new trends, individuals can effectively navigate the complexities of modern society. The related idioms such as "get with the program," "behind the times," "go with the flow," "go along to get along," and "behind its time" all emphasize the importance of staying current, adapting, and avoiding stagnation in various aspects of life.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "get with the times" can be used in a sentence:
- "You need to get with the times and start using social media for marketing your business."
- "He still listens to cassette tapes. It's time for him to get with the times and switch to streaming music."
- "The company's outdated technology is holding it back. They need to get with the times and invest in modern systems."
More "Slanguage" idioms
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