getting

IPA/ˈɡetɪŋ/
KK[ɡˈɛtɪŋ]IPA/ˈɡetɪŋ/

getting — noun

1. the brief period during which it is still possible to leave a situation or seize

1.nounB2
Definition

the brief period during which it is still possible to leave a situation or seize an opportunity before conditions turn unfavourable — the word only occurs in the fixed phrase 'while the getting is good'

Example

Samir sold his old laptop while the getting was good, before prices dropped further.

fixed phrase: while the getting was good (past tense variation)

The street musicians packed their instruments and left while the getting was still good.

Grammar Patterns

only in 'while the getting is good'

Usage Note

This noun only appears in the fixed phrase 'while the getting is good'. The word 'getting' cannot be replaced with a synonym (e.g. 'while the taking is good') and cannot be modified with adjectives or determiners. The verb tense in the phrase can shift to past ('was') or present ('is') depending on context.

Common Mistakes

The getting was good so I left early.
I left early while the getting was good.
'getting' does not function as a standalone noun; it only works inside the fixed phrase 'while the getting is good'.
He left while the getting was great.
He left while the getting was good.
the adjective in the phrase is always 'good' and cannot be changed to a different adjective.
Idioms

while the getting is good

idiom

This means to do something now, before the situation becomes worse or impossible.

Maya decided to sell her old car while the getting was good.

Are you sure we should leave the party while the getting is good?

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three phrases express the same core idea of taking action before conditions change, but they differ in tone and usage. 'While the getting is good' is informal and often implies leaving or escaping — it focuses on the window to exit, not to start something new. 'Strike while the iron is hot' is more proactive and suggests immediate aggressive action on an opportunity. 'Make hay while the sun shines' is a rural metaphor about using favourable conditions to prepare for harder times. For example: 'The stock market is booming — sell while the getting is good' sounds like a warning to cash out, whereas 'strike while the iron is hot' would urge buying more shares.

while the opportunity lastsstrike while the iron is hot ↗make hay while the sun shines ↗

Etymology

Old NorseEnglish

'Getting' is the gerund (verbal noun) form of the verb 'get', which comes from Old Norse 'geta' meaning 'to obtain, to beget'. The fixed expression 'while the getting is good' first appeared in 19th-century American English, originally in the context of mining and prospecting — meaning get out while you can still make a profit before the claim runs dry.

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a Noun (1)