Ready to go
Meaning
Prepared and eager to depart or begin an activity.
Origin
The phrase "ready to go" is so fundamental to expressing a state of complete preparedness that its origins aren't tied to a singular dramatic event or obscure historical anecdote. Instead, it emerged organically from the everyday language of English speakers. "Ready" itself comes from the Old English word "ræde," meaning prepared or prompt, while "go" is derived from the Old English "gān," signifying movement. The simple, direct combination of these two core concepts—the state of being prepared for the act of moving or initiating an activity—made it a natural and instantly understandable part of the lexicon. It speaks to a universal human need to signal that all conditions are met, and the moment for action or departure has arrived.
Examples
- The children were packed and standing by the door, completely ready to go for their field trip.
- After months of training, the marathon runner felt physically and mentally ready to go.