What does “Roll up your sleeves” mean?
"Roll up your sleeves" means to prepare for hard work or a difficult task by pushing up the sleeves of one's clothing.
What context can I use the in?
Example
It's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Example
We need to roll up our sleeves and find a solution to this problem.
Example
Before we start, let's all roll up our sleeves and get ready for a long day
Is “Roll up your sleeves” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Roll up your sleeves” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Roll up your sleeves” effectively in context?
You can use "Roll up your sleeves" to encourage someone to prepare for hard work or a difficult task. It emphasizes the need to be ready and willing to put in effort and get things done. For example, if you're about to start a challenging project, you might say, 'It's time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.'
- 1Work
We need to roll up our sleeves and find a solution to this problem.
- 2Teamwork
Before we start, let's all roll up our sleeves and get ready for a long day.
- 3Personal Development
To achieve your goals, you have to roll up your sleeves and put in the necessary effort.
Similar phrases to “Roll up your sleeves”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Roll up your sleeves” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Roll up your sleeves" is unknown.
Is “Roll up your sleeves” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Roll up your sleeves" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to motivate themselves or others to be proactive and ready to work hard.
What tone does “Roll up your sleeves” have?
"Roll up your sleeves" conveys a tone of determination and readiness. It's often used in a positive and encouraging context to inspire action and a strong work ethic.
Can “Roll up your sleeves” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Roll up your sleeves" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of preparing for hard work. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'It's time to roll up your sleeves and tackle this project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "roll up your sleeves"!' to imply readiness for hard work.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- get to work
- prepare for hard work
- get ready for a challenge
- be proactive
- be diligent
Antonyms
- take it easy
- relax
- procrastinate
- avoid work
- be lazy
