the rubber meets the road en · X
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
A metaphor derived from the point of contact between automobile tires and pavement.
Meanings
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(idiomatic, with "where" etc.) A place or circumstance at which the implementation of a plan or intent is to be achieved.
Now we're getting down to where the rubber meets the road.
1957, Max Shulman, Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys!:It can only be judged "when the rubber meets the road"; when its implementation does or does not produce results.
2002, F. Stevens Redburn with Terry F. Buss, Public policies for distressed communities revisited, page 159:It is in the interview that the rubber meets the road.
2007, Dan Miller, 48 Days to the Work You Love, page 85:
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Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see rubber, meet, road.
Even 500 feet probably wouldn't allow you to brake to a stop, because it's "where the rubber meets the road" that counts.
1928, How to avoid automobile accidents, page 30:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| the rubber hits the road | alternative | lexicographic |