The English idiom get with the program is often used as an imperative when someone isn’t following rules, procedures, etc. The “program” implied is any set of circumstances where a person is expected to behave in a certain way and follow certain rules. To get with the program often implies being a team player. A similar idiom is get on board.
Meaning of Idiom “Get With the Program”
1. follow the rules and do what you are supposed to do or are expected to do. 1
2. accept the way of thinking of those around you.
3. accept the way of behaving of those around you.
4. make and effort to do the thing required. 2
5. participate fully in mission or task that you have been told to do by superiors. 3
6. stop interfering with things, protesting, complaining, etc. and cooperate with the team.
Sentence Examples
“If you can’t get with the program then I’m going to have to replace you.”
“Why can’t Susan just get with the program? She’s always asking questions and trying to improve everything.”
“The other senators are leaning on the one dissenter to get with the program and carry out the president’s wishes.”
“The car is packed up and everyone is ready to go so what’s taking you so long. Get with the program already!”
“Whose side are you on, son?” “Our side, sir.” “You love your country?” “Yes, sir.” “How about getting with the program. Jump on the team and come on in for the big win.” — Full Metal Jacket (1987)
“What did I do that was so bad that you just had to stop talking to me?” “See, you know what you did. See, you gotta get with the program.” — Boyz n the Hood (1991)
Origin
This idiom appeared as early as 1965 in Ebony Magazine:
“…the sooner you people get with the program and realize this, the sooner we can get together and work out things.” 4
It is similar in meaning to the earlier idiom “get on board” used since the 1960s or earlier. It also bears resemblance to the idiom get with it, used since the 1920s. Although the two are not completely synonymous, the earlier idiom can be used in a similar way, as in “become active in something or interested.” Get with the program seems to be a variation of these idioms where program is used to mean “a set of procedures” or “a certain long-term aim.”
References- [note]Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.
- Heacock, Paul. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms]. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.
- Bengelsdorf, Peter. Idioms in the News – 1,000 Phrases, Real Examples. N.p.: Amz Digital Services, 2012.
- Bengelsdorf, Peter. Idioms in the News – 1,000 Phrases, Real Examples. N.p.: Amz Digital Services, 2012.