Get the show on the road
Meaning
To begin an activity, project, or journey, especially after a period of preparation or delay.
Origin
Imagine the bustling energy of a traveling circus, vaudeville troupe, or theatrical production in early 20th-century America. After a successful run in one town, the performers, stagehands, and managers would begin the arduous task of dismantling the tents, packing the costumes, and loading the props onto trucks or trains. The cry to 'get the show on the road' wasn't just a theatrical idiom; it was a literal command to pack up the entire production and begin the journey to the next city, ensuring the spectacle continued. This literal act of mobilizing a complete performance eventually transcended its theatrical roots, becoming a vivid metaphor for initiating any large undertaking or getting things started after preparation.
Examples
- We've finished all the planning and preparations, so it's time to get the show on the road and launch the new product.
- The band has rehearsed enough; let's get the show on the road and start our tour next week.