Phrase guide

be there or be square

phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

phrase

Meaning 1

Used to encourage someone to attend an event.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: humorous, informal

Examples

  • There's a huge party on Saturday night; be there or be square.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

See square (“conventional, boring”).

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Cantonese: 不見不散 /不见不散 — encourage someone to attend an event
  • Chinese Mandarin: 不見不散 /不见不散 (bùjiànbùsàn) — encourage someone to attend an event
  • Finnish: tule sinne tai olet tylsä (unidiomatic) — encourage someone to attend an event
  • Hebrew: מי שלא בא מרובע (mi shelo ba meruba) — encourage someone to attend an event
  • Russian: будь та́м и́ли будь как все́ (budʹ tám íli budʹ kak vsé) — encourage someone to attend an event
  • Russian: я́вка обяза́тельна (jávka objazátelʹna) — encourage someone to attend an event
  • Scottish Gaelic: bi ann no bi fann — encourage someone to attend an event