- To start moving or acting, especially quickly from a standstill.
- Often implies beginning a race, a journey, or taking the first step in an action.
Explanation
Origin
- Primarily comes from racing contexts (running, motorsports).
- The line refers to the starting line.
- Getting off the line means beginning the race, moving away from the starting position.
- It emphasizes the initial burst of speed or movement.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Get cracking
- Fire it up
- Let's roll / Let's bounce (Meaning 'let's go/start')
- Put the pedal to the metal (Start fast, often driving related)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Get your ass in gear
- Let's fucking go!
Milder/Formal:
- Commence
- Initiate the process
- Begin promptly
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Common in sports, project management, or any situation requiring a quick start.
- Can sound demanding if used as a command without appropriate context or authority.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might think it means to hang up a phone (get off the phone line) or get out of a queue (get out of the line). Clarify the 'starting line' origin and meaning of 'start moving quickly'.
Examples
- The drag racer got off the line incredibly quickly.
- As soon as the bell rang, the students got off the line and ran out. (Figurative starting line)
- We need to get off the line with this project; we're already behind schedule. (Start working quickly)
Dialogue
Project Manager: Okay team, the client just approved the brief. We need to start development ASAP.
Developer: Right, I've got the specs ready.
Project Manager: Great. Let's get off the line now. I want a basic prototype structure by end of day.
Developer: Okay, starting on it right now.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet (Motorsports): Incredible start! Hamilton really got off the line well! #F1 #Racing
- Forum Post (Project Management): Tip for new PMs: Prep everything beforehand so your team can get off the line smoothly on day one. #ProjectManagement #Agile
- Instagram Story (Runner): Ready to get off the line! Race day! Wish me luck! #running #marathon
Response Patterns
If told to Get off the line:
- Action: Starting the task or movement immediately.
- Acknowledgement: Okay!, Right away!, Doing it!
When describing someone getting off the line:
- Commenting on speed/efficiency: Wow, that was fast!, Smooth start.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After being told to Get off the line (in a work context):
- Clarifying the first step: Okay, what should I do first?
- Beginning the assigned task quickly.
After observing someone get off the line:
- Monitoring their progress.
- Comparing their start to others (in a race).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's typically a command or description of an action starting.
Intonation
- Emphasis often on OFF the LINE, sometimes with urgency. GET OFF the LINE!
Generation Differences
- Understood by most, perhaps more common in contexts familiar with racing or needing quick starts (sports fans, project managers).
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions, especially where racing (track, motorsports) is popular.