go to the polls: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go to the polls’ mean?
The idiom "go to the polls" means to participate in an election or vote. It implies taking the necessary action to cast a ballot and have a say in the democratic process.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "hit the streets" means to go outside or take action, typically in a public setting or to engage with the community. It implies actively participating in activities or events in the real world rather than remaining indoors or passive.
The idiom "have a say" means to have the opportunity to express one's opinion and contribute to a decision-making process.
The idiom "go to work" means to start doing the necessary tasks or activities to achieve a particular goal or result.
The idiom "go to town" means to work or proceed vigorously and with enthusiasm.
The idiom "go to sleep" means to fall asleep or to begin the process of sleeping. It is often used to encourage someone to relax and rest, or to indicate that someone is not paying attention or is disinterested in a particular topic or situation.
The idiom "go to bat" means to take action or make an effort on behalf of someone or something.
The idiom "go to" is an informal way of expressing annoyance or frustration towards someone or something. It implies a desire for the person or thing to leave or disappear. It can also be used to indicate a sudden, intense reaction or a strong feeling.
The idiom "go through with" means to complete or follow through with a plan, action, or commitment despite difficulties or hesitations.
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.
Democracy's Decision Day
The idiom "go to the polls" is primarily used in the context of voting or elections. It means to physically visit a polling station to cast one's vote. This expression is deeply rooted in the democratic electoral process and has become a widely recognized idiom in American society.
One related idiom is "get out the vote." This phrase is often used to encourage people to actively participate in elections by casting their votes. It emphasizes the importance of civic duty and encourages individuals to exercise their right to vote. The idiom "go to the polls" aligns with this idea, as it also emphasizes the importance of civic participation in the democratic process.
Another related idiom is "cast one's vote." This phrase refers to the act of expressing one's choice in an election by marking a ballot or otherwise participating in the voting process. "Go to the polls" is synonymous with "cast one's vote," as both idioms emphasize the physical act of visiting a polling station to participate in an election.
The idiom "go to the polls" is not limited to any particular political party or ideology. It is a neutral expression that can be applied to any election, regardless of the specific candidates or issues involved. This inclusiveness reflects the democratic nature of the electoral process and encourages all eligible individuals to exercise their right to vote.
Furthermore, "go to the polls" can be used metaphorically to describe the act of making a decision or taking a stance on a particular issue. In this sense, it implies actively engaging in the decision-making process and expressing one's opinion. This broader interpretation of the idiom highlights the significance of individual participation in shaping collective outcomes.
While "go to the polls" is commonly used in the United States, it is also found in other countries with democratic systems. However, its exact wording may vary slightly in different languages and cultural contexts. Regardless of the specific language used, the underlying meaning remains the same: the importance of individuals participating in the electoral process.
The exact origins of the idiom "go to the polls" are difficult to pinpoint. However, it likely emerged from the traditional practice of physically attending designated polling locations to cast votes. Over time, the phrase became idiomatic and entered into the collective language of politics and elections. Its long history and broad usage make it a significant part of political discourse in the United States.
The idiom "go to the polls" is a widely recognized expression that emphasizes the importance of voting and civic participation in the democratic process. It aligns with related idioms such as "get out the vote" and "cast one's vote," which encourage individuals to actively engage in elections. Regardless of the exact wording or cultural context, the underlying message of these idioms remains the same: the importance of individuals exercising their right to participate in the electoral process.
Example usage
"The election is approaching, and it's important for everyone to go to the polls and cast their vote."
"Citizens were excited to go to the polls and participate in the democratic process."
"Some individuals may not want to go to the polls due to a lack of interest or disillusionment with the political system."
More "Elections" idioms
