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3. get the lead out

get the lead out

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get the lead out

 and shake the lead out

Inf. to hurry; to move faster. (This originally refers to getting lead weights (used in exercise) off so you can move faster.) Come on, you guys. Get the lead out! If you're going to sell cars, you're going to have to shake the lead out.

See also: get, lead, out

get the lead out

Also, get the lead out of one's feet or pants . Hurry up, move faster. For example, Get the lead out of your pants, kids, or we'll be late, or, even more figuratively, Arthur is the slowest talker-he can't seem to get the lead out and make his point. This expression implies that lead, the heaviest of the base metals, is preventing one from moving. [Slang; first half of 1900s]

See also: get, lead, out

get the lead out

Informal

To start moving or move more rapidly.

See also: get, lead, out