Today , we talk about expressions that began behind the wheels of automobiles . Now they are common expressions that we use in everyday conversations . Well , let's not delay any longer . Let's get this show on the road ! "To get the show on the road " means to begin something as soon as possible . It's a casual expression that we use when we want to start something , anything -- an activity or project or an actual road trip . Well , not any activity . You would not likely use this expression to begin something sad , such as a funeral . It is a lighthearted expression . Word experts say that the phrase comes from traveling circuses and other shows of the early 1900s in the United States . These entertainers would travel from town to town bringing their performances to people not able to travel to big cities for entertainment . So , the person who says "hey , let's get this show on the road !" is taking charge . They want to start things . They want to get things going . You could say they are in the driver's seat . They are the leader . Feel free to use this phrase in any situation , formal or informal . Speaking of free , most rides are not . They cost money . When you take a taxi you must pay for it . If you drive a car , you must pay for gas , repairs and insurance . It is great when you get a free ride to where you are going . However , in life , to get a free ride means to gain from something without having to do anything in exchange . It can be annoying to have a friend or co-worker who is always trying to get a free ride . They do not give . They just take , take , take ! Now , when we are actually driving , the phrase go down that road simply means to drive down a road . We would say this when we give directions . "Go down that road for about a mile and you'll see your destination on the right ." But in conversation it has an interesting meaning . To go down that road means to make a decision . But it's more than that . It also means that this decision may bring trouble or leave you in a difficult place . We often use this phrase as a warning or when we give advice to someone . Let's say a good friend , Veronica , has a neighbor who likes causing trouble . He has loud parties every weekend until the wee hours of the night . The trash from his parties often spills out into her lawn . Veronica tells you she is going to get even with this neighbor . She plans to play opera music very loudly very early every morning until his late , loud parties stop ! You might tell her , "Are you sure you want to go down that road ? It could lead to trouble ." Maybe you have made the same mistake . You could advise your friend , "I've been down that road before and it did not go as I had planned !" Where the rubber meets the road is another interesting phrase . Here rubber refers to the tires of a vehicle . Where the rubber meets the road is the point of contact between automobile tires and the road . It's when and where the car actually moves . It's also when you find out how the car performs . So the expression rubber meets the road means the point at which a product , idea or method is tested . Imagine you have been studying different methods of teaching people English . So far , it has all been theories . Where the rubber meets the road will be in a class full of students . That will be the real test ! Will those theories actually help your students learn English ? We shall see ! Some driving behaviors are really dangerous and can lead to accidents . For example , when you cut someone off in traffic you turn your car into their lane in a dangerous way , nearly hitting them ! You can also cut people off in conversation . Used in this way , to cut someone off (or cut off someone ) means to interrupt what they are saying . It is not dangerous but it is extremely annoying . Driving in the middle of the road is really dangerous . You could crash into oncoming traffic ! But in conversation , being in the middle of the road is actually a really safe place . It means you are taking a moderate position on some issue . You are not at or near one extreme or the other . The most dangerous driving behavior is not paying attention to the road . Many wrecks happen when people do not pay attention . The worst thing , by far , is to fall asleep at the wheel . We also use this expression in our conversations . To be asleep at the wheel means you are not paying attention to something that should have your attention . If the leader of a project is asleep at the wheel it means she's not paying attention to the project . Something bad will probably happen . We here at Learning English are definitely not asleep at the wheel . We pay very close attention to our audience ! When have you been in the driver's seat or when have you been asleep at the wheel ?