You Best Get to It
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "You best get to it" means "You’d better get started" - an authentic form built on the older-English use of "best" for "had better."
synonyms: get started, get going, start working
Hillbilly Dude Says...
"You best get to it" (or "Best get to it") is a Southern and Appalachian imperative meaning "You’d better get started." It’s a push to quit dawdling and start working. Hillbilly Dude Says...
"You best get to it" (or "Best get to it") is a Southern and Appalachian imperative meaning "You’d better get started." It’s a push to quit dawdling and start working. Pronunciation
[YOO BEST GET TO IT] /juː bɛst ɡɛt tə ɪt/
Meaning & Usage
- Imperative / Encouragement (imperative phrase)
Papaw:
Rain’s comin’, best get to it if you want that hay in.
Rain’s comin’, best get to it if you want that hay in.
Toby:
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.variations: you’d better get started, best git to it
★ Variants like "best be gettin’ to it" or "best git to it" are also authentic and can be noted as examples inside the page. ★
Origin and Etymology
From older English "had best get to it" that persisted in Southern/Appalachian English. Common in rural and work-related contexts, especially chores and farm tasks.
Usage Notes
Still common in the South/Appalachia. Outside the region it’s easily understood but carries a colloquial, rustic flavor.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it natural: "Best get to it" or "You best get to it," sometimes with "git" for "get."
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). You Best Get to It. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-get-to-it
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "You Best Get to It." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-get-to-it.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "You Best Get to It." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/you-best-get-to-it.
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