When it comes to taking action, words can be just as powerful as deeds. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the most impactful and empowering slang terms to inspire you to get up and make a difference. From “hustle” to “get after it,” these phrases will motivate you to seize the day and start making moves. Get ready to level up your vocabulary and your mindset with our guide to the best slang for take action!
Click above to generate some slangs
1. Get cracking
This phrase means to begin or start working on a task or project.
- For example, “We need to get cracking on this report before the deadline.”
- A boss might say, “Let’s get cracking on the new marketing campaign.”
- In a group project, someone might say, “We have a lot of work to do, so let’s get cracking.”
2. Jump on it
This phrase means to act quickly or take immediate action on something.
- For instance, “There’s a limited-time sale on, so you should jump on it before it’s over.”
- A friend might say, “I heard about a job opening that’s perfect for you. You should jump on it.”
- In a meeting, someone might say, “We have a great opportunity here, so let’s jump on it and make it happen.”
3. Get the ball rolling
This phrase means to start something or initiate a process.
- For example, “We need to get the ball rolling on planning the event.”
- A team leader might say, “Let’s get the ball rolling on this project by assigning tasks.”
- In a brainstorming session, someone might suggest, “To generate ideas, let’s get the ball rolling by sharing our initial thoughts.”
4. Hit the ground running
This phrase means to start a new endeavor with energy and enthusiasm, without any delays or setbacks.
- For instance, “I’m excited to start my new job and hit the ground running.”
- A coach might say to their team, “We need to hit the ground running in this game and give it our all.”
- In a new business venture, someone might say, “We need to hit the ground running and make a strong impression on our customers.”
5. Make a move
This phrase means to take action or make a decision.
- For example, “If you want to succeed, you need to make a move and seize opportunities.”
- A friend might say, “It’s time to make a move and ask that person out on a date.”
- In a business negotiation, someone might say, “We need to make a move and present our offer to the client.”
6. Step up
To take action or responsibility in a situation, especially when it is needed or expected. “Step up” is often used to encourage someone to be proactive or to show leadership.
- For example, a coach might say to their team, “We need someone to step up and take charge.”
- In a work setting, a manager might tell their employee, “It’s time for you to step up and take on more responsibilities.”
- A friend might say to another, “If you want to succeed, you need to step up and put in the effort.”
7. Seize the day
To make the most of the present moment and take advantage of opportunities. “Seize the day” is a motivational phrase often used to encourage someone to take action and live life to the fullest.
- For instance, a person might say, “Life is short, so seize the day and make the most of it.”
- When faced with a new opportunity, someone might declare, “I’m going to seize the day and go for it!”
- A friend might encourage another by saying, “Don’t hesitate, seize the day and pursue your dreams.”
8. Dive in
To start or engage in something without hesitation or reservation. “Dive in” suggests a willingness to fully commit and take action without holding back.
- For example, someone might say, “I’m just going to dive in and see where this project takes me.”
- When faced with a new challenge, a person might declare, “I’m ready to dive in and give it my all.”
- A friend might encourage another by saying, “Stop overthinking it and just dive in. You’ll figure it out along the way.”
9. Roll up your sleeves
To prepare to work hard and take action. “Roll up your sleeves” is a metaphorical expression that signifies readiness to tackle a task or problem.
- For instance, a supervisor might say to their team, “It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get this project done.”
- When faced with a difficult situation, someone might declare, “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and find a solution.”
- A friend might encourage another by saying, “Stop procrastinating and roll up your sleeves. Let’s get this done.”
10. Take the bull by the horns
To confront a difficult or challenging situation directly and assertively. “Take the bull by the horns” implies taking charge and showing determination to overcome obstacles.
- For example, a leader might say, “We need to take the bull by the horns and address this issue head-on.”
- When faced with a daunting task, someone might declare, “I’m going to take the bull by the horns and tackle it.”
- A friend might encourage another by saying, “Stop waiting for things to happen and take the bull by the horns. You have the power to make a difference.”
11. Get a move on
This phrase is used to encourage someone to start moving or take action quickly.
- For example, “We need to get a move on if we want to catch the train.”
- A parent might say to their child, “Get a move on or we’ll be late for school.”
- In a work setting, a supervisor might tell their employee, “Get a move on with that project, the deadline is approaching.”
12. Pull the trigger
This phrase is often used to encourage someone to make a decision or take action, especially when they have been hesitant or indecisive.
- For instance, “It’s time to pull the trigger and buy that house you’ve been considering.”
- A friend might say to another, “You’ve been talking about starting your own business for years, it’s time to pull the trigger.”
- In a sports context, a coach might tell their team, “Don’t hesitate, pull the trigger and take the shot.”
13. Take the plunge
This phrase is used to encourage someone to make a bold or risky decision, often in the pursuit of personal or professional growth.
- For example, “She finally took the plunge and quit her job to travel the world.”
- A friend might say, “You’ve been talking about asking her out for months, it’s time to take the plunge.”
- In a business context, a mentor might advise their mentee, “If you want to succeed, you need to take the plunge and start your own company.”
14. Throw your hat in the ring
This phrase is used to encourage someone to enter a competition or contest, often when they have been hesitant or unsure of their chances of success.
- For instance, “He decided to throw his hat in the ring and run for political office.”
- A friend might say to another, “You’re a talented artist, you should throw your hat in the ring for that art competition.”
- In a sports context, a coach might tell their player, “Don’t underestimate yourself, throw your hat in the ring and try out for the team.”
15. Buckle down
This phrase is used to encourage someone to focus and work hard, especially when they have been procrastinating or not putting in enough effort.
- For example, “You need to buckle down and study if you want to pass the exam.”
- A parent might say to their child, “Stop playing around and buckle down on your chores.”
- In a work setting, a supervisor might tell their employee, “We have a tight deadline, it’s time to buckle down and get the project done.”
16. Put the pedal to the metal
This phrase means to go as fast or as hard as possible. It is often used to encourage someone to give their maximum effort or to take action with great speed or intensity.
- For example, if someone is driving slowly, you might say, “Come on, put the pedal to the metal!”
- In a sports context, a coach might say, “We need to put the pedal to the metal and score some points.”
- In a work setting, a manager might say, “We have a tight deadline, so let’s put the pedal to the metal and get this project done.”
17. Push the envelope
This phrase means to go beyond what is considered normal or acceptable. It is often used to encourage someone to take risks or to push the boundaries in order to achieve something remarkable.
- For instance, a motivational speaker might say, “If you want to succeed, you have to push the envelope and step out of your comfort zone.”
- In a creative context, an artist might say, “I’m always trying to push the envelope and create something unique.”
- In a business context, a leader might say, “We need to push the envelope and innovate in order to stay ahead of our competitors.”
18. Step up to the plate
This phrase means to take action or take on a challenge. It is often used to encourage someone to take responsibility for a situation or to show courage and initiative.
- For example, if someone is avoiding a difficult task, you might say, “It’s time to step up to the plate and get it done.”
- In a sports context, a coach might say, “We need someone to step up to the plate and make a big play.”
- In a work setting, a manager might say, “I believe in your abilities, so step up to the plate and take the lead on this project.”