Meaning of Idiom ‘Make It Snappy’
Make it snappy means be quick about it; do something quickly, without delay; hurry up.
Usage Notes
This idiom is often used as an imperative to tell someone that you want them to do something quickly. It may sound rude in the wrong circumstances. A typical example is ordering food in a restaurant and saying something like “I’d like a burger and fries, and make it snappy!”
Sentence Examples
“We have to leave in five minutes so go get dressed and make it snappy.”
“Kids, the school bus will be here soon so make it snappy.”
“Mind if we stop and get something to drink?” “Sure but we have to make it snappy.”
“Bring me that file and make it snappy,” said Fergusson to his secretary.”
“Get your packs and fall in. Hurry up!” “Come on. Hurry up. Make it snappy.” — All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
“Take me to the nearest bar and make it snappy.” — Ed Wood (1994)
“I never trusted that butler. He’s too honest.” “Too honest, you say? Right, well, be that as it may, find him quick and make it snappy.” — The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
“Give me a bedroom on the 20th Century, please.” “It’s leaving in five minutes.” “I know. Will you make it snappy?” — North by Northwest (1959)
Origin
Used since at least the late 1800s.
