get off the dime

Idioms  

1. Take action, especially following a time of indecision or delay. For example, It's time this administration got off the dime and came up with a viable budget. This expression originated in the 1920s in dance-halls as an imperative for dancers to get moving. By 1926 it had been extended to other activities.

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Example Sentences

“These guys have got to get off the dime and get moving on actually fixing the damn roads in the state of Michigan,” she said.

From Seattle Times • May 14, 2019

“I’m hoping we can get off the dime later today or in the morning because time is ticking away.”

From Washington Times • Feb. 10, 2019

“I’m hoping we can get off the dime later today or in the morning,” Mr. Shelby said.

From Washington Times • Feb. 10, 2019

Des Moines airport officials have been commendably patient, but it’s time for the military to get off the dime.

From Washington Times • Jul. 27, 2015

We get off the dime on charging: Eelectric cars are likely to be charged at home 80 percent of the time, so a public charging network isn’t as important as some people think it is.

From Forbes • Dec. 30, 2011