one for the money, two for the show, three to make ready, and four to go

English

Phrase

one for the money, two for the show, three to make ready, and four to go

1. A countdown prior to exerting some effort, such as launching a burden or running a race.
   • 1909, Booth Tarkington, Beasley's Christmas Party, New York: Harper & Brothers, pages 22–23:

     “Yes, I'll make Simpledoria get out of the way. Come here, Simpledoria. Now, Bill, put your heels together on the edge of the walk. That's right. All ready? Now then! One for the money—two for the show—three to make ready—and four for to GO!” Another silence. “By jingo, Bill Hammersley, you've beat me! Ha, ha! That was a jump! What say?”

   • 2007, William Bernard McCarthy, Cinderella in America, page 268:

     And then they swung him back and forth, and back and forth, saying: "One for the money, two for the show, three to make ready, and four to go." And up they tossed him into the air.

Alternative forms

• one to begin, two to show, three to make ready, and four to go