hurry up and wait: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hurry up and wait’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "wait around" means to stay in a place, usually without a specific purpose, while expecting something to happen or someone to arrive.
The idiom "kick one's heels" means to wait idly or impatiently for something or someone without any purpose or result.
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 "hum and haw" means to hesitate, be indecisive, or be unsure about something. It is often used to describe someone who is taking a long time to make a decision or struggling to give a direct answer.
The idiom "hold onto your hat" means to prepare oneself for something surprising or exciting that is about to happen. It is often used to indicate that someone should be ready for a fast or unpredictable experience.
The idiom "hold off" means to delay or keep something or someone at a distance. It implies waiting or resisting until a more suitable time or condition.
An idiom frequently seen in English, "holding pattern," refers to a state of temporary inactivity or delay, where one is waiting for a decision, action, or event to occur. It often implies a sense of frustration or impatience during the waiting period.
The idiom "high time" means that something should have happened or should be done immediately, as it is already late or long overdue.
The idiom "hem and haw" means to hesitate or delay in giving a clear or decisive answer.
Unveiling the Paradox
The idiom "hurry up and wait" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often heard in informal conversations as well as in various professional settings. This idiom carries a unique and paradoxical meaning that can be interpreted in different ways based on context. Let's explore the origins and evolution of this idiom to gain a better understanding of its usage and significance.
"Hurry up and wait" is a phrase with a natural, colloquial feel to it. Its structure consists of two contrasting actions that seem contradictory when paired together. The phrase suggests a sense of urgency, emphasizing the need to act quickly, followed by a requirement to wait patiently. This juxtaposition creates an interesting tension within the idiom that captures a distinctive aspect of human experiences and interactions.
Now, let's delve into the meaning of "hurry up and wait." The emphasis lies on the initial hurry or urgency. It implies a need for swift action, often in response to a particular situation or a command. This sense of urgency can be observed in various scenarios such as military operations, emergency situations, or even in everyday life when one is expected to act quickly.
In the military, "hurry up and wait" has particular significance. This idiom is believed to have originated during World War II, describing the experiences of soldiers. They were required to act swiftly in response to orders or in preparation for missions, only to find themselves waiting for further instructions or deployment. This specific context adds depth to the meaning of the idiom, emphasizing the unpredictability and uncertainty present in such scenarios.
Additionally, "hurry up and wait" has become a phrase commonly used in other professional fields, including the entertainment industry. It is used to describe the lengthy periods of waiting that often precede moments of intense action or performance. This usage reflects the underlying idea that sometimes, in order to accomplish something significant or extraordinary, one must endure periods of anticipation or inactivity.
Now, let's explore the related idioms and their connection to "hurry up and wait."
The idiom "can't wait" is often used to express excitement or impatience about something that is about to happen. It reflects a similar sense of urgency found in "hurry up and wait." The anticipation and impatience in "can't wait" mirror the initial hurry in "hurry up and wait."
Another related idiom is "kick one's heels," which means to wait idly or impatiently. This idiom aligns with the second part of "hurry up and wait" that emphasizes the subsequent waiting period. "Kick one's heels" adds another layer to the experience of waiting by highlighting the frustration or restlessness that can accompany it.
Similarly, the idiom "cool one's heels" also relates to the idea of waiting. It means to remain calm or composed while waiting for something. This idiom complements the patient aspect of "hurry up and wait," suggesting that while waiting, it is essential to maintain a sense of composure and tranquility.
When we talk about "wait around," we are referring to lingering or staying in a particular place without a specific purpose. This idiom captures the period of waiting in "hurry up and wait" where one is not actively engaged but rather biding their time. "Wait around" adds another dimension to the experiences encompassed by "hurry up and wait."
The final idiom, "bide one's time," means to wait patiently for the right moment to act. This idiom echoes the patient element of "hurry up and wait" and emphasizes the importance of timing. Just like in "hurry up and wait," one must wait for the opportune moment before taking action.
Overall, the idiom "hurry up and wait" captures the dual nature of human experiences. It highlights the need for swift action and the subsequent requirement to exercise patience. This idiom embodies the paradoxical nature of life's demands and the unpredictable nature of certain situations. Whether it is waiting for deployment as a soldier, waiting for a crucial moment on a stage, or any other scenario where urgency and patience intersect, this idiom reminds us of the complex interplay between these two elements. It encourages us to navigate through life's contradictions, offering a glimpse into the nuances of human existence.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hurry up and wait" can be used in a sentence:
- We were told to hurry up and wait for our flight, as it was delayed.
- The soldiers were frustrated because they had to hurry up and wait for hours before the mission began.
- During rush hour, drivers often experience the frustration of having to hurry up and wait in traffic.
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