step on it
Definition
Verb (Phrasal Verb): - To drive or move very quickly; to hurry up: The phrase "step on it" is an informal command urging someone to accelerate or proceed with greater speed, often used in the context of driving.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used as an imperative to tell someone to hurry. It is informal and often conveys a sense of urgency. - It is typically directed at a driver or someone controlling the speed of a vehicle. - It can be used more broadly to urge someone to do any task faster.
Examples
- (We need to drive faster to get to the airport on time.)
- (The driver accelerated quickly.)
- (If you don't hurry, we will be late.)
Advanced Usage
- In narrative descriptions: The phrase can be used in the past tense to describe someone acting with urgency.
- He saw the time and stepped on it, weaving through traffic. (He realized he was late and began driving very fast.)
Variants and Related Words
- Step on the gas: An almost identical idiom with the same meaning, referring literally to pressing down on a car's accelerator pedal.
- Step on the gas, or we'll never make it!
- Hurry up: A more general synonym without the specific driving connotation.
- Get a move on: Another informal phrase meaning to hurry.
Synonyms
- Accelerate: To increase speed.
- Hasten: To move or act with speed.
- Rush: To move with urgent haste.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Speed up: To increase speed. This is less imperative and more descriptive than "step on it."
- Can you speed up a little? We're running late.
Related Idioms
- Put the pedal to the metal: A very informal idiom meaning to drive at maximum speed.
- We're almost there—put the pedal to the metal!
- Make tracks: To leave a place quickly or to hurry.
- We'd better make tracks if we want to get home before dark.
Verb
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move fast
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He rushed down the hall to receive his guests
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The cars raced down the street
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