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to get the lead out
01
to begin hurrying up or moving faster
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "get the lead out" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "get the lead out" can be traced back to the world of military drill and discipline. In military contexts, the command "get the lead out" was used to instruct soldiers to remove the lead plug from their musket barrels before firing. The lead plug was inserted to protect the barrel during transportation and storage, but it needed to be removed before engaging in combat. It can be used in various situations where a sense of urgency or impatience is felt, such as when time is running out, deadlines are approaching, or efficiency is necessary.
Example
He's getting the lead out and working diligently to meet the production targets.
Tomorrow, we will need to get the lead out and prepare for the upcoming presentation.
We got the lead out and completed the project just in time.
We were getting the lead out all night, trying to fix the technical issues before the event.
Get the lead out and finish that report before the deadline!
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