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3. hurry up and wait

hurry up and wait

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hurry up and wait

Fig. to do some things in a series fast and then have to wait a long time to do the next things in the series. (Originally military.) That's all we ever do. Rush to stand in line somewhere. We just hurry up and wait all day long. Hurry up and wait! That's the army for you.

See also: and, hurry, up, wait

hurry up and wait

to prepare quickly for an activity that is then delayed Air travel seems to be nothing but hurry up and wait - you race to the airport two hours before your flight time, and then depart two hours late.

See also: and, hurry, up, wait

hurry up and wait

Move quickly and then have to wait for something or someone. For example, We did our share in good time, but the others were several days behind so we couldn't finish-it was another case of hurry up and wait . This expression dates from the 1940s and probably originated in the armed services.

See also: and, hurry, up, wait

hurry up and wait

in. to be alternately rushed and delayed in a hectic situation. (Often with the force of a modifier.) It’s always hurry up and wait around here.

See also: and, hurry, up, wait