make with
LowInformal, Slang
Definition
Meaning
A colloquial or informal imperative meaning to produce, provide, or hand over something.
A slangy, often humorous or commanding phrase used to demand that someone quickly produce or give something, often with a sense of urgency or impatience.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This phrase functions almost exclusively as a fixed imperative command. It is dated and carries a strong stylistic flavor, often associated with mid-20th-century American gangster/criminal slang or playful, bossy requests. It is rarely used in contemporary, neutral conversation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase originated and is far more established in American slang. In British English, it would be perceived as an Americanism or a stylised, archaism from old films.
Connotations
In American English, it connotes a tough, no-nonsense, or playful demand. In British English, it primarily connotes imitation of American pop culture.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally more likely to be encountered in American English, typically in jocular or referential contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
MAKE WITH + the + [Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Make with the funny (be funny)”
- “Make with the feet (leave)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. Highly inappropriate for formal business contexts.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Only used in very specific, playful, or ironic situations among friends.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- "Come on, mate, make with the beers!" (said jokingly)
- "Don't just stand there; make with the explanation!"
American English
- "Alright, buddy, make with the cash!"
- "You promised a story, so make with the details already."
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I'm hungry! Make with the sandwiches.
- The movie's starting. Make with the popcorn.
- The boss wants the report now, so make with the final edits.
- If you know the secret, don't keep us in suspense—make with the information!
- The comedian paused, looked at the quiet audience, and said, "Hey, make with the laughs, people!"
- In a parody of a noir detective, he growled, "You've got five seconds to make with the truth."
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an old black-and-white gangster movie. The tough guy points his finger and says, "Alright, pal, MAKE WITH the cash!" He wants you to MAKE it appear WITH your hands.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION/ACTION IS TRANSFER (Producing/doing something is metaphorically seen as transferring it to the speaker).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the standard verb 'make' (делать) plus preposition 'with' (с). This is a fixed phrase. A direct word-for-word translation ('делать с') would be nonsensical.
- Do not use it as a general synonym for 'do' or 'make'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it in non-imperative constructions (e.g., 'He made with the money' is incorrect).
- Overusing it in casual speech, making it sound affected.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'make with' be MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a slang phrase with a very specific, imperative usage. It is not part of standard formal or neutral English.
No, the phrase is almost exclusively used as a fixed imperative command. Using it in other tenses sounds incorrect and unnatural.
It is associated with early-to-mid 20th century American slang, particularly from gangster films and hardboiled detective stories, likely originating from Yiddish-influenced New York speech patterns.
For most learners, it is best understood as a recognition phrase only. Active use is very rare and can sound forced or comical. It's more important to understand it when heard in old films or used for humorous effect.