get the show on the road

Idioms

Start an undertaking; begin work. For example, After months of training, the astronauts were eager to get the show on the road. This synonym of get going alludes to a theatrical production going on tour. Also see get the ball rolling.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"He's trained well and as keen as everyone else to get the show on the road."

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2025

It’s little wonder that administrators have done everything they can to get the show on the road, despite the risks to public health.

From The Guardian • Feb. 6, 2021

"Take care of yourselves and hope we can get the show on the road again soon. I’ll be performing a snippet from each album we were supposed to perform for the next few days."

From Fox News • May 12, 2020

To get the show on the road, there’s a procession, beginning at Magnolia Avenue and Adams Boulevard, featuring ceremonial dancers Los Chinelos. 24th Street Theatre, 1117 W. 24th St., Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2018

It’s a cliche, all right, but it’s better than spinning your wheels. get the show on the road.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023