get out while the getting's good

English

Etymology

Contraction of get out while the getting is good.

Verb

to get out while the getting's good (phrasal verb)

1. (colloquial) To leave at an opportune time or before adverse conditions appear.
   • 1912, Sarah Comstock, The soddy^[1], page 200:

     Take your choice; get out while the getting's good, or we'll boom Glad-hand by starting a Boot Hill right here." A Boot Hill! Grinch reflected.

2. (idiomatic, colloquial) To sell all or part of one's holdings in stocks, real estate, a business, etc. while conditions are good, particularly in anticipation of a drop in prices.
   • 1924, James Artman editor, The Commercial car journal^[2], volume 28, page 9:

     It costs pretty near as much to sell a used truck as a new one and there is usually ... close down business right away and get out while the getting's good.

Synonyms

• bail out
• 23 skidoo