don't pass go

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From the board game Monopoly, in which a certain card ("Go directly to jail; do not pass go, do not collect $200") sends the player to the jail square without the usual traversal of the board.

Phrase

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don't pass go

  1. To say that somebody is not to do anything without receiving further instructions.(Can we verify(+) this sense?)
    • 1994, Linda Shaw, One Pale, Fawn Glove., page 195:
      Don't come back, don't see Taylor, don't pass Go. Don't do anything in this town again, Miss Grey, ever.
  2. To say that somebody is obliged to do something without question.
    • 2001, Janice E. Hale, Learning While Black, page 126:
      As usual, this information was imparted to me with a blank stare, and dumped in my lap with an expression that said, "Don't pass Go, don't collect 200 dollars, go straight to jail!"

Usage notes

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  • The expression is used on its own, or together with don't collect 200 dollars (or pounds), go straight to jail, as written on the original chance card in the Monopoly® board game. See also do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Anagrams

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