do not pass go, do not collect $200

English

Alternative forms

• do not pass go, do not collect £200 (UK)

Etymology

From the Monopoly game, where it is written on cards that send one directly to jail.

Phrase

do not pass go, do not collect $200

1. (humorous) A phrase indicating that something must be done directly without delays or deviations.
   • 1959, Tom Lehrer, "We Will All Go Together When We Go":

     We will all go directly to our own respective Valhallas/Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dallahs

   • 2002, Christopher Brookmyre, Not the End of the World, page 230:

     The only people who get through the doors without are couriers, and they get escorted all the way: make their delivery, get a signature then straight back out - do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred dollars.

   • 2005, Ralph Scherder, The Taxidermist's Son, page 160:

     Two months later I hit the second knuckle on my pointer finger – six more stitches, do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred dollars – and damaged a tendon in the process.

   • 2010, John Scalzi, Agent to the Stars, page 290:

     I'm getting a part on a pilot. I don't have to audition — do not pass go, do not collect $200, just go straight to acting.

Related terms

• don't pass go