1 B1 idiomatic informal
To start doing a task immediately, especially in response to an order or command.
"The sergeant barked, 'Those floors need scrubbing — hop to it!'"
hop to it
B1 informal intransitive
To start doing something immediately, especially when ordered or urged by someone else.
In plain English
Start doing something right now — don't waste time!
What does "hop to it" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To act quickly and efficiently without needing further encouragement.
"We've got an hour before the guests arrive, so let's hop to it."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To hop (jump) toward 'it' — the task at hand.
Actually means
Start doing something right now — don't waste time!
Usage tip
Used as a direct command to urge someone to act without delay. Common in military, parenting, and workplace contexts. Has a slightly old-fashioned or humorous tone in modern use. More common in American English.
Words that pair with "hop to it"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
work chores orders tasks duties
How to conjugate "hop to it"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hop to it
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hops to it
he/she/it
Past simple
hoped to it
yesterday
Past participle
hoped to it
have + pp
-ing form
hoping to it
continuous
Hear "hop to it" in the wild
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Other ways to say "hop to it"
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