make it snappy: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make it snappy’ mean?
The idiom "make it snappy" means to do something quickly or promptly. It is often used as a polite but firm request for someone to hurry up or move faster. The word "snappy" suggests doing something with speed and efficiency.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "snip-snap" is an expression used to describe a quick or sudden action. It implies something happening swiftly, often with precision or suddenness. This idiom is typically used to convey a sense of speed or efficiency.
The idiom "quick-fire" means to do or say something very quickly without much hesitation or delay.
The idiom "on-the-spot" means to be in a situation where decisions or actions must be made immediately, without any time to prepare or think about it.
The idiom "on the spot" means to do something immediately or to be put in a situation where one is required to perform or make a decision without any preparation or advance notice.
The idiom "one fell swoop" means to do something quickly and all at once, usually to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. It suggests that the action is done with great force or impact, without any delay or hesitation.
The idiom "nut-cutting time" refers to the critical moment when decisive action needs to be taken in order to achieve a desired outcome.
The idiom "now or never" means that something must be done immediately or it will never be possible to do it. It emphasizes the urgency of taking action without delay.
The idiom "no time" is used to express a lack of available time or the urgency of completing a task or action quickly.
Get on with it!
The idiom "make it snappy" means to hurry up or do something quickly. It is often used in a lighthearted or playful way, making it popular in casual conversations and informal settings.
The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but we can interpret it by looking at its components. The word "make" is used to compel someone to do something, "it" refers to an unspecified task or action, and "snappy" means quick or brisk.
Combining these elements, "make it snappy" is a directive to complete a task swiftly and efficiently.
A similar phrase with the same meaning is "make haste," which has been in use since the 13th century. This suggests that the desire for speed and efficiency has always been important in language.
Although the precise origin of "make it snappy" remains unclear, it is widely used in American English. This idiom has become ingrained in everyday speech due to its simplicity and effectiveness in conveying urgency or impatience.
The phrase can also be found in popular culture, such as movies, TV shows, and literature. This further contributes to its widespread recognition and usage in contemporary American English.
To further understand the meaning of "make it snappy," let's explore its relation to several related idioms:
The idiom "snip-snap" is used to suggest a quick or sharp movement. It shares a similar sense of speed and efficiency with "make it snappy." Both idioms convey the idea of completing a task or action swiftly.
"quick-fire" is another related idiom that means to do something rapidly or without delay. This phrase emphasizes the need for speed, just like "make it snappy."
Similarly, "lightning-quick" and "lightning fast" both describe rapid or swift actions. These idioms capture the sense of urgency and speed conveyed by "make it snappy."
The word "lightningly" can also be used to describe something done at a fast pace, akin to "make it snappy."
Overall, "make it snappy" is an idiom commonly used in American English to urge someone to hurry up or do something quickly. Its meaning and usage are firmly established in the language due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "make it snappy" can be used in a sentence:
- Can you please finish your chores and make it snappy? We're running late.
- The boss told us to make it snappy and get the report done by noon.
- I asked the waiter to bring me the check and make it snappy, as I was in a hurry.
More "Urgency" idioms
