Phrase guide

get cracking

verb · 2 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

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To get started; to get busy.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • If I'm going to finish my homework by Thursday, I'd better get cracking.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

start to be active

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Get cracking, please!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bestir oneself, get going, get moving, get weaving, get started, get rolling

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: get down, begin, get, start out, start, set about, set out, commence

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Russian: нача́ть де́лать (načátʹ) — (idiomatic) To get started; to get busy