Get in on the act
Meaning
To become involved in an activity or enterprise, often to gain an advantage or share in success that someone else started.
Origin
The vivid imagery behind "get in on the act" stems directly from the lively, competitive world of vaudeville and variety shows. An "act" was a distinct performance—a comedian, a singer, a magician—each vying for the audience's attention and applause. When one act proved particularly popular, drawing in crowds and earning big laughs, others might quickly try to "get in on" that success. Picture a less-successful performer subtly trying to join the stage during another's thriving routine, hoping to bask in reflected glory or, more crudely, steal a share of the audience's appreciation. This competitive spirit on the stage soon moved off it, becoming a common idiom for joining any successful venture to reap benefits.
Examples
- The rival company tried to get in on the act once they saw how profitable our new product was.
- After seeing his classmates having so much fun playing the new game, Tom decided he wanted to get in on the act too.