Floors It: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
November 28, 2023

The expression "floors it" is a dynamic way of saying someone pressed the accelerator pedal of a vehicle down, intending to go as fast as possible. It conveys urgency, speed, and determination. Just as one might push their car to its limits, this phrase can be applied to describe someone going full speed ahead in various scenarios, not just in the context of driving. Whether taking decisive action or seizing an opportunity with enthusiasm, "floors it" captures the essence of full-throttle commitment.

In short:

"Floors it" typically refers to pressing the accelerator pedal of a vehicle to the maximum, causing it to go as fast as possible.

What Does "Floors It" Mean?

The phrase "floors it" means someone makes a car go very fast by pushing the gas pedal down.

Let's dig into its core meanings and usage:

  • When someone "floors it," they're making the car speed up as fast as it can.
  • You use this phrase when you want to talk about driving really quickly, usually in a hurry or to escape something.
  • It's a common expression when someone wants to leave a place or join traffic swiftly and with full power.
  • In everyday talk, you might say, "As soon as the coast was clear, he floored it," to describe someone accelerating rapidly.
  • Similar phrases include "steps on it," "guns it," or "puts the pedal to the metal."

Where Does "Floors It" Come From?

The origin of "floors it" links to driving. It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment the phrase became popular, but people generally accept that the term "floor" in this context refers to the car's floorboard. When one pushes the accelerator pedal all the way down, it goes as far down as the car's floor.

Historical example

"I floored it myself in two and a half."

- "Five Years in an English University", 1852

10 Examples of "Floors It" in Sentences

Here are some uses of the idiom in various contexts:

  • Realizing I was running short of time to make my flight, I floored it all the way to the airport.
  • She heard the sirens behind her and immediately floored it.
  • If you want to catch that bus, you better floor it now!
  • Noticing it was already a quarter to one, she floored it, hoping to make it to the meeting on time.
  • I floored it to get to the hospital on time for the birth of my child.
  • We were so behind schedule; that's why he floored it going to the meeting.
  • I told her to floor it because we were running late for the movie.
  • As soon as the race began, all the drivers floored it.
  • They floored it to escape the bad weather.
  • He floored it to win the race.

Examples of "Floors It" in Pop Culture

  • In the movie "Fast & Furious," characters often floor it during intense racing scenes.
  • The 2018 book "Isosceles from the Death of Vicky Lacquer Or . . . from Titus Monothelismus" by G. J. Calonge talks about flooring the car.
  • Popular TV shows about car races, like the Gran Turismo, frequently showcase drivers who floor it to win.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Floors It"

Here are alternate phrases that convey the idea of accelerating or going full speed ahead.

  • Hits the gas
  • At full throttle
  • Puts the pedal to the metal
  • Revs it up
  • Accelerates hard
  • Guns it

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Floors It":

  • What does it mean when someone "floors it"?

It means pressing the accelerator pedal of a vehicle down to increase speed rapidly.

  • Where did the term "floors it" originate?

It originated from the action of pressing the accelerator pedal down to the car's floorboard.

  • Is "floors it" used in specific contexts?

Most commonly, it is used in the context of driving, implying a sudden increase in speed.

  • Can "floors it" be used metaphorically?

Yes, it can describe any situation where someone is giving their maximum effort or speed.

  • Is "floors it" a modern idiom?

It's been in use for quite some time but is still relevant and commonly used today, especially in contexts related to driving.

  • Is "floors it" used internationally?

Cultures with a deep connection to cars and driving might use the idiom more commonly, although many English-speaking countries understand it.

  • Are there other idioms similar to "floors it"?

Yes, expressions like "put the pedal to the metal" or "step on it" convey a similar meaning.

  • Can "floors it" be used in a negative context?

Depending on the situation, "floors it" can imply either reckless driving or a sense of urgency, both of which people might perceive negatively.

  • How can one use "floors it" in a sentence?

For example: "As the storm approached, he floors it to reach safety."

  • Why is "floors it" popular in pop culture?

It's often associated with action, speed, and thrill, making it a favorite for movies, songs, and literature involving car chases or races.

Final Thoughts About "Floors It"

The idiom "floors it" provides a vibrant way to describe quick action and determination.

  • It primarily refers to pushing the accelerator pedal of a vehicle to its limit.
  • Its origins link back to the action of the pedal meeting the car's floor.
  • Over time, the term has made its mark in pop culture, especially in movies and songs involving high-speed chases and races.

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