shit or get off the pot: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘shit or get off the pot’ mean?
The idiom "shit or get off the pot" means to make a decision or take action, instead of wasting time or being indecisive.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tell someone where to shove it" means to angrily reject or dismiss someone or something, often with hostility or contempt.
The idiom "take a shit" is a vulgar expression that means to defecate or have a bowel movement, typically used in a casual or colloquial context.
The idiom "swear off" means to make a firm decision to stop doing or using something, typically because it is considered unhealthy or undesirable.
The idiom "suck it" is a slang expression used to dismiss or insult someone, often in a rude and aggressive manner.
The idiom "stuff it" means to forcefully or angrily tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. It is a direct and rude way of asking someone to stop speaking or expressing their opinion.
An idiom meaning to leave or depart, often used to describe ending a project or leaving a place quickly.
The idiom "step on it" means to hurry or accelerate, typically used as a command to someone to go faster.
The idiom "sit on it" means to ignore, dismiss or delay dealing with something.
FAIL
The idiom "shit or get off the pot" is widely used across different scenarios in the United States. It is a direct command meant to urge someone to make a decision or take action. The phrase is commonly used when someone is stalling or procrastinating, and the speaker wants them to either commit to a course of action or abandon it.
One interesting aspect of this idiom is its connection to the bathroom. The idiom originates from the act of sitting on a toilet. The phrase implies that someone should either finish their business promptly or vacate the seat for someone else. This association with a bodily function adds a sense of urgency and crudeness to the idiom.
The idiom is also an example of figurative language, using the act of defecation as a metaphor for making a choice. It emphasizes the need for resolution or progress. Similar idioms that convey a similar message include "shit or get off the can", "put up or shut up", "get on the stick", and "make a move". Each of these idioms enforces the idea of taking action and making a decision.
This idiom has its roots in American English, particularly in colloquial and informal speech. It is often used in casual conversations or when addressing friends or family members. While it may not be appropriate in more formal settings, it is widely understood and recognized.
Furthermore, the idiom is known for its strong and direct tone. It can be interpreted as forceful or even confrontational, reflecting an eagerness for action and impatience with indecisiveness. Other idioms such as "put up or shut up" and "get on the stick" also convey a similar sense of urgency and impatience.
The idiom "shit or get off the pot" is a forceful expression used in the United States to demand prompt decision-making or action. It originates from the act of sitting on a toilet and reflects the need for resolution or progress. Its straightforward and direct nature makes it a powerful command, often used in informal settings to urge someone to make a choice. Other idioms like "shit or get off the can", "put up or shut up", "get on the stick", and "make a move" reinforce the message of taking action and making a decision. Overall, these idioms embody a sense of urgency and impatience, leaving little room for indecisiveness or delay.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "shit or get off the pot" can be used in a sentence:
- John has been talking about starting his own business for years. It's time for him to shit or get off the pot.
- The team has been debating which approach to take for the project, but they need to shit or get off the pot soon because the deadline is approaching.
- Jenny is always procrastinating about making decisions. Her friends told her it's time to shit or get off the pot and choose a college to attend.
More "Procrastination" idioms
