English

Verb

to get out while the getting's good ‎(phrasal verb)

1. (colloquial) To leave at an opportune time or before adverse conditions appear.
   • 1912, Sarah Comstock, The soddy, page 200:

     Take your choice; get out while the getting's good, or we'll boom Glad-hand by starting a Boot Hill right here." A Boot Hill! Grinch reflected.

2. (idiomatic, colloquial) To sell all or part of one's holdings in stocks, real estate, a business, etc. while conditions are good, particularly in anticipation of a drop in prices.
   • 1924, James Artman, editor, The Commercial car journal, volume 28, page 9:

     It costs pretty near as much to sell a used truck as a new one and there is usually ... close down business right away and get out while the getting's good.

Synonyms

• bail out
• 23 skidoo