do not pass go, do not collect $200

English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From the Monopoly game, where it is written on cards that send one directly to jail.

Phrase edit

do not pass go, do not collect $200

  1. (humorous) A phrase indicating that something must be done directly without delays or deviations.
    • 1959, Tom Lehrer, "We Will All Go Together When We Go":
      We will all go directly to our own respective Valhallas/Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dallahs
    • 2002, Christopher Brookmyre, Not the End of the World, page 230:
      The only people who get through the doors without are couriers, and they get escorted all the way: make their delivery, get a signature then straight back out - do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred dollars.
    • 2005, Ralph Scherder, The Taxidermist's Son, page 160:
      Two months later I hit the second knuckle on my pointer finger – six more stitches, do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred dollars – and damaged a tendon in the process.
    • 2010, John Scalzi, Agent to the Stars, page 290:
      I'm getting a part on a pilot. I don't have to audition — do not pass go, do not collect $200, just go straight to acting.

Related terms edit