Phrase guide

get in the boat and row

verb · 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

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.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌɡɛt‿ɪn ðə ˈbəʊt n̩ ˈɹəʊ/
  • General-American: /ˌɡɛt‿ɪn ðə ˈboʊt n̩ ˈɹoʊ/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -əʊ

1

verb

Meaning 1

To make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group; also, to perform one's share of work.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: pull one's weight

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the image of a person or group of people stepping into a boat and rowing to get it moving.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: ponnistella — to make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group
  • Polish: wykazywać inicjatywę — to make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group
  • Polish: wykazać inicjatywę — to make a substantial effort, especially in cooperation with others in a group
  • Finnish: kantaa kortensa kekoon — to perform one’s share of work
  • Finnish: tehdä oma osuutensa — to perform one’s share of work
  • Polish: robić swoje — to perform one’s share of work
  • Polish: zrobić swoje — to perform one’s share of work