step on it

/stɛp ɒn ɪt/

phrase★Intermediate— hurry up

◆ What It Really Means

To hurry up or move faster, often as a command or urgent request.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically press down on something (like a gas pedal) to make it go faster.

Literal Breakdown

stepto press down with one's foot+onin contact with+ita specific object (e.g., a gas pedal)

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of pressing down on a gas pedal to make a car go faster, symbolizing urgency or speed.

◈ When to Use

A boss shouting 'Step on it!' to employees who are running late for a meeting, urging them to hurry.

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase is common in American English and is often used in movies, TV shows, and everyday speech to convey urgency.

informal

To hurry up or move faster, often as a command or urgent request.

The driver stepped on it when the police car started chasing us.

The driver sped up quickly when the police car began pursuing them.

💡

Commonly used in informal or urgent situations, often as a command.

Synonyms

to accelerate quickly

to press the accelerator pedal all the way down

This phrase is informal and often used in urgent or commanding situations.

The phrase is usually used as a command or urgent request, not as a polite suggestion.

Originates from the literal action of pressing harder on a gas pedal (or stepping on a pedal) to make a vehicle go faster.

This phrase is typically used in informal contexts, often as a command or urgent request to speed up.

English Dictionary