“Goes like shit off a shovel” is a colloquial expression that is commonly used in informal English conversations. The phrase is often used to describe something or someone that is extremely fast, efficient, or effective. It is typically used when referring to a quick or rapid movement, action, or process.”
The expression is considered to be quite informal and is often used in casual conversations among friends or acquaintances. The phrase itself may be seen as crude or vulgar due to the use of the word “shit,” which adds emphasis to the intensity or speed of the action being described.
It is important to note that the phrase is idiomatic and should not be taken literally. The expression does not imply any actual connection to excrement or shovels, but rather serves as a metaphor to convey the idea of exceptional speed or efficiency.
Explaining the origin of the phrase
The phrase “goes like shit off a shovel” is a colloquial expression that is used to describe something or someone that moves extremely quickly or with great speed. While the exact origin of this phrase is uncertain, it is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom.
The phrase likely developed from the earlier expression “goes like a shovel in a heap of manure,” which was used to describe something that moves swiftly or effortlessly, as a shovel would move through a pile of manure. Over time, this phrase was shortened and simplified to “goes like shit off a shovel,” for added emphasis and humor.
The use of vulgar language in this phrase adds a certain degree of emphasis and intensity to the description, further emphasizing the speed or efficiency of the subject being described. While some may find the language offensive, it is important to recognize that language can evolve and take on various meanings, often in the context of colloquial speech.
Overall, the phrase “goes like shit off a shovel” is a vivid and colorful expression that conveys a strong sense of speed and efficiency. It serves as a metaphorical representation of swift movement or action, and its origins likely stem from earlier idiomatic expressions related to speed and ease of movement.
Interpreting the figurative meaning
While the phrase “goes like shit off a shovel” may sound vulgar, it is actually a figurative expression used to describe something or someone that moves or acts really quickly. The intensity of the phrase is meant to emphasize the rapid speed at which something is happening.
This phrase is often used to describe the swiftness of a person’s actions. For example, if someone is known for completing tasks quickly and efficiently, they might be described as someone who “goes like shit off a shovel.” This implies that the person moves so fast that it is as if they were propelled by a powerful force, similar to the speed of a shovel scraping through feces.
It is important to note that this phrase is considered informal and may not be appropriate for formal settings. However, it is commonly used in casual conversations, especially in British English. It can also be used to describe the speed of objects or processes. For example, a car that accelerates rapidly could be said to “go like shit off a shovel.”
Overall, the figurative meaning of “goes like shit off a shovel” is to convey the idea of extreme swiftness and speed, emphasizing the rapidity at which something moves or acts.
Idiomatic usage and common examples
“Goes like shit off a shovel” is an idiomatic expression that is primarily used in British English. This phrase is often used to describe something or someone that moves or operates extremely quickly or efficiently. The use of the word “shit” in this expression is meant to emphasize the intensity or speed of the action being described.
This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts. Here are some common examples:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. The new sports car goes like shit off a shovel. | This means that the sports car is incredibly fast and accelerates quickly. |
| 2. The team worked like shit off a shovel to meet the deadline. | This means that the team worked very quickly and efficiently to complete the task on time. |
| 3. She ran like shit off a shovel to catch the bus. | This means that she ran extremely fast in order to catch the bus before it left. |
| 4. The company’s profits have been rising like shit off a shovel. | This means that the company’s profits have been increasing rapidly and significantly. |
Overall, “goes like shit off a shovel” is a colorful and expressive phrase that can be used to convey a sense of speed, efficiency, or rapid progress in various situations.
