Go on a spree 🏃‍♀️💸

Meaning

To engage in a wild, extravagant, or uninhibited period of activity, especially spending money or drinking alcohol.

Origin

The word 'spree' itself hails from the Dutch word 'spreien,' meaning 'to spread out.' In the 17th century, it began to signify a wild, unrestrained outbreak of activity, often associated with boisterous merrymaking. Imagine a group of sailors, paid after a long voyage, hitting port towns with a wild gusto, spreading their earnings and their high spirits everywhere they went. This image of unbridled, expansive enjoyment, whether through revelry or reckless spending, cemented the phrase 'go on a spree' as a colorful way to describe a temporary but intense indulgence.

💰 money ☠️ risk 😂😊 joy 💪🙏 pride

Go on a spree represented with emoji🏃‍♀️💸

This playful sequence of symbols functions as a delightful invitation to consider the exhilarating, and perhaps fleeting, nature of indulgence. It captures the rapid momentum of a spending spree, reminding us of the impulse that drives such exhilarating bursts of activity. Observe how the runner's dash is immediately followed by the symbol for wealth, creating a visual shorthand for unchecked enthusiasm and the joy of the moment.

Examples

  • After getting her promotion, she decided to go on a shopping spree.
  • He went on a drinking spree and woke up with a terrible hangover.
  • The squirrels decided to go on a nut-gathering spree before winter arrived.
  • The artist went on a paint-splattering spree, transforming the entire studio into a vibrant canvas.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'go on a spree' a formal or informal idiom?

'Go on a spree' is an informal idiom, commonly used in casual conversation and writing. Its origins in describing unrestrained merrymaking and spending contribute to its informal tone.

What's the opposite of 'go on a spree'?

The opposite of 'go on a spree' would be to lead a restrained, frugal, or highly disciplined life. This could involve meticulous budgeting, abstaining from excessive indulgence, or focusing on conservative habits.

Can 'go on a spree' refer to activities other than spending money or drinking?

Yes, while spending and drinking are common associations, 'go on a spree' can also describe any wild or uninhibited period of activity, such as a creative spree, an online shopping spree, or even a spree of learning new things.

Is there a specific duration for when someone has 'gone on a spree'?

No, the duration is not fixed and can vary greatly, ranging from a single evening of wild celebration to a longer period of extravagant behavior. The key is the 'wild' or 'uninhibited' nature of the activity, not its length.

Similar to "go on a spree"

Go on a bender
Both involve abandoning restraint, but 'go on a bender' leans heavily into heavy drinking, often implying a longer, more intense period of intoxication than the broader 'spree'
Let loose
Both phrases capture a sense of freedom from inhibition, but 'let loose' is more general, applicable to any kind of uninhibited fun, whereas 'go on a spree' specifically points to extravagant action, often involving spending or revelry
Paint the town red
Both vividly capture a boisterous, celebratory escape, but 'paint the town red' suggests a more public, attention-grabbing display of revelry, while 'go on a spree' can be more privately indulgent or focused on a specific kind of excess

Opposite of "go on a spree"

Tighten one's belt
This phrase argues for fiscal prudence and self-denial, directly opposing the extravagant spending implied by 'go on a spree' by advocating for saving and living frugally
Practice moderation
This argues for control and balance, standing in stark contrast to the uninhibited excess of a 'spree,' suggesting that measured behavior is the more virtuous or wise path
Live within one's means
This advocates for responsible financial living, directly challenging the reckless overspending characteristic of a spree, positioning financial responsibility as the ideal

Related to "go on a spree"

Living it up
This phrase shares the spirit of indulgence and enjoyment, but 'living it up' is often about enjoying current good fortune, whereas a 'spree' can be a temporary escape or outburst
Blow one's paycheck
This phrase is a specific, often single-instance, consequence of the kind of behavior that might characterize the spending aspect of a 'spree'
A wild ride
Both phrases suggest an intense, often unpredictable experience, but 'a wild ride' can apply to any eventful journey, while 'go on a spree' specifically implies a period of unrestrained indulgence
Buck wild
This colloquialism captures the extreme lack of control and wildness associated with a spree, emphasizing the sheer chaotic energy involved