To be “with it” was a slang phrase that became popular during the 1920s, along with the similar slang phrase “to be hip.” Both described being in the know and aware of the current fashions or trends. To be with it or hip meant that someone was cool or simply in. To get with it, then, became a way of telling someone to become more trendy or hip. The idiom has evolved newer meanings since then.
Meaning of Idiom “Get With It”
1. become active or interested.
2. to align one’s attitudes or behavior to modern ways of thinking and behaving. 1
3. to become knowledgeable about modern trends, fashions, movements, ideas, developments, etc.
4. to become knowledgeable about something. 2
5. to hurry up and get busy doing something. 3
Compare to get with the program.
Sentence Examples
“If you don’t get with it soon I’m going to have to fire you and hire someone who is interested in the job.”
“I can’t believe you’re still wearing those clothes from high school. It’s time you get with it and buy something in style. Let’s go shopping.”
“The reason you can’t find a job is the economy, not because of immigrants. You really should get with it. Nobody thinks that way anymore.”
“I need to get with it and learn how to update my website. It looks like it’s stuck in the early 2000s.”
“I have to paint the bedroom and also the hallway before tomorrow so I’d better get with it.”
“I can’t believe you don’t know who Lady Gaga is. Get with it! She’s basically a superstar.”
“Nobody says out of wedlock anymore, grandpa. It’s completely normal to have a baby and not be married, nowadays.”
References
- Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.
- (n.d.) Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. (2015). Retrieved May 26 2025 from https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/get+with+it
- Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.