Top 29 Slang For Action – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to describing action and excitement, sometimes traditional words just don’t cut it. That’s where slang for action comes in. From epic maneuvers to heart-pumping adventures, we’ve got a list of the coolest and most vibrant slang terms that will add some serious flavor to your everyday vocabulary. Get ready to step up your linguistic game and inject some serious energy into your conversations!

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1. Do

To carry out or execute a task or action.

For example, “I need to do my homework before going out.”
A friend might ask, “What are you doing this weekend?”
In a work setting, a colleague might say, “Let’s do a brainstorming session to generate ideas.”

2. Go

To start or begin an action or activity.

For instance, “I’m going to go for a run in the morning.”
A friend might suggest, “Let’s go grab some lunch.”
In a conversation about travel plans, someone might say, “I’m thinking of going to Europe next summer.”

3. Take a stab at

To try or make an effort to do something, often with uncertainty or without much experience.

For example, “I’ll take a stab at fixing the leaky faucet.”
A person might say, “I’ve never played chess before, but I’ll take a stab at it.”
In a discussion about cooking, someone might suggest, “Why not take a stab at making homemade pasta?”

4. Give it a shot

To attempt or try something, often with a sense of giving it a chance or opportunity.

For instance, “I’ve never surfed before, but I’ll give it a shot.”
A friend might say, “You should give yoga a shot. It’s really relaxing.”
In a conversation about new hobbies, someone might suggest, “Why not give painting a shot?”

5. Hit the ground running

To begin a task or project with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and momentum.

For example, “I joined the company and hit the ground running by completing several projects in the first week.”
A colleague might say, “Let’s hit the ground running and finish this project ahead of schedule.”
In a discussion about starting a new business, someone might advise, “The key is to hit the ground running and make a strong first impression.”

6. Get cracking

This phrase is used to encourage someone to start or begin a task or activity. It implies a sense of urgency or promptness.

For example, a manager might say, “We have a deadline to meet, so let’s get cracking on this project.”
A friend might say, “We only have a few hours before the party starts, so let’s get cracking on getting ready.”
In a group setting, someone might say, “We have a lot of work to do, so let’s get cracking and divide up the tasks.”

7. Dive in

This phrase is used to encourage someone to fully engage or participate in a task, activity, or experience. It implies a sense of enthusiasm and willingness.

For instance, a coach might say, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, just dive in and give it your all.”
A teacher might encourage a student by saying, “You have a great idea, now it’s time to dive in and start writing your essay.”
In a social setting, someone might say, “The water looks inviting, let’s just dive in and have fun.”

8. Get the ball rolling

This phrase is used to encourage someone to initiate or start a task, project, or process. It implies taking the first step or action to get things moving.

For example, a team leader might say, “Let’s get the ball rolling by brainstorming ideas for our next project.”
A friend might say, “I have an idea for a new business, let’s get the ball rolling and start planning.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “We’ve talked enough, it’s time to get the ball rolling and make a decision.”

9. Jump into the deep end

This phrase is used to encourage someone to take on a challenging task or situation, often without hesitation or fear. It implies diving into a difficult or unfamiliar situation headfirst.

For instance, a mentor might say, “If you want to learn quickly, you need to jump into the deep end and challenge yourself.”
A coach might encourage an athlete by saying, “Don’t be afraid to jump into the deep end and compete against stronger opponents.”
In a work setting, someone might say, “We have a new project with tight deadlines, let’s jump into the deep end and prove ourselves.”

10. Make a move

This phrase is used to encourage someone to take action or make a decision. It implies a need for progress or forward movement.

For example, a friend might say, “You’ve been talking about changing jobs for months, it’s time to make a move.”
A coach might encourage a player by saying, “You have the opportunity to score, don’t hesitate, make a move.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We’ve analyzed the data, now it’s time to make a move and implement our strategy.”

11. Get going

This phrase is used to encourage someone to start or begin a task or activity.

For example, “We need to get going on this project if we want to meet the deadline.”
A coach might say to their team, “Let’s get going and give it our all in the second half.”
When planning a trip, someone might say, “We should get going early tomorrow morning to avoid traffic.”

12. Start the ball rolling

This phrase means to initiate or begin a process or activity.

For instance, “Let’s start the ball rolling on this new marketing campaign.”
A team leader might say, “I’ll start the ball rolling by assigning tasks to each team member.”
When organizing an event, someone might suggest, “We need to start the ball rolling by sending out invitations.”

13. Get the wheels turning

This phrase means to initiate or start a process or activity.

For example, “We need to get the wheels turning on this new business venture.”
A project manager might say, “Let’s get the wheels turning by creating a timeline and assigning roles.”
When planning a party, someone might suggest, “We should get the wheels turning by making a guest list and sending out invitations.”

14. Take action

This phrase means to start doing something or to begin taking steps towards a goal or objective.

For instance, “It’s time to take action and address this issue.”
A leader might say, “We need to take action and implement these changes immediately.”
When faced with a problem, someone might advise, “Don’t just sit there, take action and find a solution.”

15. Roll up your sleeves

This phrase means to prepare oneself to work hard or get involved in a task or activity.

For example, “It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
A manager might say to their team, “Let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle this project together.”
When facing a challenging situation, someone might say, “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and do whatever it takes to overcome this obstacle.”

16. Put your money where your mouth is

This phrase means to demonstrate that you are willing to support or follow through on what you say. It implies that someone should prove their sincerity or commitment by taking action.

For example, if someone says they can run a marathon, you might challenge them to “put their money where their mouth is” and actually sign up for a race.
In a debate or argument, one person might say to another, “If you think you’re right, prove it. Put your money where your mouth is.”
A friend might encourage you to take a risk by saying, “You’ve been talking about starting your own business for years. It’s time to put your money where your mouth is.”

17. Kick into gear

This phrase is used to describe the act of increasing one’s level of activity or productivity. It suggests that someone should begin to work harder or with more intensity.

For instance, if you’re procrastinating on a project, someone might say, “It’s time to kick into gear and get it done.”
When a team is underperforming, a coach might motivate them by saying, “We need to kick into gear and start playing to our full potential.”
A friend might encourage you to start pursuing your goals by saying, “Stop wasting time and kick into gear. You have so much potential.”

18. Take the initiative

This phrase means to be proactive and take action without waiting for someone else to tell you what to do. It suggests that someone should show leadership and take the first step.

For example, if a project is falling behind, a team member might take the initiative and start organizing a plan to catch up.
In a group setting, someone might say, “Let’s take the initiative and brainstorm ideas for our next project.”
A mentor might encourage their mentee by saying, “Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Take the initiative and create your own success.”

19. Get the wheels in motion

This phrase means to start taking action or to initiate a process. It suggests that someone should begin the necessary steps to get something started.

For instance, if you’re planning a trip, someone might say, “Let’s get the wheels in motion and start booking our flights and accommodations.”
When starting a new project, a team leader might say, “It’s time to get the wheels in motion and assign tasks to everyone.”
A friend might encourage you to pursue a new opportunity by saying, “You’ve been talking about it for a while. Now it’s time to get the wheels in motion and make it happen.”

20. Spring into action

This phrase means to react quickly and energetically to a situation or to start taking action immediately. It suggests that someone should respond promptly and with enthusiasm.

For example, if a fire alarm goes off, people are expected to spring into action and evacuate the building.
In a sports game, a coach might say, “When the ball is in play, I want you to spring into action and give it your all.”
A teacher might instruct their students, “When I say ‘go,’ I want you to spring into action and start working on the assignment.”

21. Get things moving

This phrase is used to encourage someone to start doing something or to initiate a process. It implies the need to stop procrastinating and begin making progress.

For example, a manager might say to their team, “Let’s get things moving on this project before the deadline.”
In a motivational speech, a speaker might say, “It’s time to get things moving and chase after your dreams.”
A friend might encourage another by saying, “Stop overthinking and get things moving. You’ve got this!”

22. Seize the day

This phrase is derived from the Latin phrase “carpe diem” and is used to encourage someone to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them and live life to the fullest.

For instance, a person might say, “I’m going to seize the day and try something new.”
In a song lyric, the artist might sing, “Seize the day, don’t let it slip away.”
A motivational speaker might say, “Each day is a gift, so seize the day and make it count.”

23. Swing into action

This phrase is often used to describe the act of immediately starting a task or project with energy and enthusiasm.

For example, a coach might say to their team, “It’s time to stop planning and start swinging into action.”
In a movie scene, a character might say, “When the alarm sounds, we swing into action and save the day.”
A friend might say to another, “Don’t hesitate, just swing into action and get it done.”

24. Kick it into gear

This phrase is used to encourage someone to start working harder or to increase their effort in order to achieve a goal.

For instance, a coach might yell to their team, “Come on, guys, let’s kick it into gear and win this game!”
In a work setting, a manager might say, “We need to kick it into gear if we want to meet our deadline.”
A friend might motivate another by saying, “You’ve been slacking off, it’s time to kick it into gear and get back on track.”

25. Make it happen

This phrase is used to encourage someone to take the necessary steps to achieve a goal or make something happen.

For example, a coach might say to their team, “Stop waiting for it to happen, go out there and make it happen.”
In a conversation about career aspirations, someone might say, “If you want that promotion, you have to make it happen.”
A friend might encourage another by saying, “You have the skills and the drive, now go out there and make it happen.”

26. Get things done

This phrase is used to indicate taking action and completing tasks or responsibilities. It implies efficiency and productivity.

For example, a boss might say, “We need to get things done before the deadline.”
A friend might encourage another by saying, “Stop procrastinating and get things done!”
In a motivational speech, a speaker might say, “Success comes to those who are determined to get things done.”

27. Go all out

This phrase means to put in maximum effort or energy into a task or activity. It implies going above and beyond what is expected or required.

For instance, a coach might say to their team, “Today, we’re going all out and giving it our best.”
A person might say, “I’m going all out for this job interview and preparing extensively.”
In a competition, a participant might say, “I’m going all out to win this race.”

28. Take charge

This phrase means to step up and assume control or responsibility for a situation or task. It implies being in a leadership position or taking control of a situation.

For example, a manager might say, “I need someone to take charge of this project.”
A friend might say, “You should take charge and organize the event.”
In a crisis, a person might step forward and say, “I’ll take charge and make sure everyone is safe.”

29. Go the extra mile

This phrase means to put in additional effort or go beyond what is expected or required. It implies going above and beyond to achieve a goal or satisfy someone.

For instance, a teacher might say, “I appreciate students who go the extra mile and do extra research.”
A colleague might say, “If you want to succeed, you have to go the extra mile.”
In customer service, a representative might say, “We always go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.”