keep on trucking: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘keep on trucking’ mean?
The idiom "keep on trucking" means to persist or continue working hard despite difficulties or setbacks.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "keep up" means to maintain the same level or pace, or to continue at a sufficient rate. It can refer to staying informed or being able to match or compete with others.
The idiom "keep the show on the road" means to continue with a task or activity without interruption or delay. It is often used to indicate the importance of maintaining progress or forward momentum to achieve a desired outcome or goal.
The idiom "keep the pot boiling" means to maintain a situation or activity at a satisfactory or acceptable level of progress, especially in order to avoid any interruptions or setbacks.
The idiom "keep the ball rolling" means to keep an activity or conversation going, to maintain progress or momentum in a situation. It suggests the idea of keeping things moving forward and not allowing them to come to a standstill.
The idiom *keep straight* means to continue in the same direction or to maintain a clear and honest approach without deviation.
The idiom "keep pace" means to maintain a similar speed, progress, or level as someone or something else.
"Keep on truckin'" is an idiomatic expression that means to persist or continue doing something with determination and perseverance, especially in the face of challenges or obstacles.
The idiom "keep one's pecker up" means to remain cheerful and positive in difficult or challenging situations.
The idiom "keep one's chin up" means to remain cheerful and optimistic in a difficult or challenging situation. It encourages maintaining a positive attitude and not allowing oneself to be discouraged or defeated by adversity.
The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.
Truckin' Towards Triumph
The idiom "keep on truckin'" has a direct and concrete meaning that is widely understood in the United States. It is often used as a motivational phrase to encourage persistence and perseverance in the face of challenges or obstacles.
The phrase gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, partly due to its inclusion in a popular comic strip created by R. Crumb. It was prominently featured on a psychedelic poster by Milton Glaser, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
From an etymological perspective, the word "truck" has its roots in the Greek word "trochos" meaning "wheel" or "rolling." Over time, the word evolved to describe various modes of transportation, including the modern-day truck.
The idiom's connection to the American trucking industry further highlights its cultural significance. The industry played a pivotal role in the development of the United States, particularly in terms of economic growth and the transportation of goods across vast distances.
The phrase "keep on trucking" carries with it connotations of resilience and determination, qualities often associated with truck drivers who face long hours and challenging conditions on the road.
Although the idiom is primarily used in a figurative sense, it still draws upon the literal meaning of "trucking" as a form of transportation. This dual nature adds depth to the idiom's interpretation, reinforcing the idea of continuous movement and progress despite difficulties.
The idiom "keep on" is closely related to "keep on truckin'" as both phrases convey the message of persistence and perseverance. "Keep on" is a shorter form of the phrase, but the meaning remains the same. It serves as a reminder to not give up and to continue moving forward.
The phrase "keep it up" is also related to "keep on truckin'" in that it encourages maintaining a steady effort and not faltering. "Keep it up" is often used as a way to praise someone for their hard work and to motivate them to continue their efforts.
Overall, the idiom "keep on truckin'" and its related phrases, "keep on" and "keep it up," all carry the same message of persistence and determination. These idioms serve as reminders to not give up in the face of challenges and to keep moving forward towards our goals.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "keep on trucking" can be used in a sentence:
- After a long day of work, I was exhausted, but I decided to keep on trucking and finish my project.
- Despite facing many obstacles, John remained determined and kept on trucking towards his goals.
- No matter how difficult life gets, it's important to remember to keep on trucking and never give up.
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