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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

get out while the getting's good en · VERB

Pronunciation

Meanings

  1. (colloquial) To leave at an opportune time or before adverse conditions arise.
    • Take your choice; get out while the getting's good, or we'll boom Glad-hand by starting a Boot Hill right here." A Boot Hill! Grinch reflected. 1912, Sarah Comstock, The soddy, page 200:
  2. (colloquial, idiomatic) To sell all or part of one's holdings in stocks, real estate, a business, etc. while conditions are good, particularly in anticipation of a drop in prices.
    • It costs pretty near as much to sell a used truck as a new one and there is usually ... close down business right away and get out while the getting's good. 1924, “When You Put Through a Sale Without a Profit for Yourself Do You Call it a Sale?”, in James Artman, editor, The Commercial car journal, volume 28, page 9:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
got out while the getting's good Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part UK lexicographic
got out while the getting's good Tense=Past lexicographic
gotten out while the getting's good Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part US lexicographic
getting out while the getting's good Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
gets out while the getting's good Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic

Synonyms

quit while one is ahead · 23 skidoo