don't pass go

English

Alternative forms

• don't pass Go

Etymology

From the board game Monopoly, in which a certain card ("Go directly to jail; do not pass go, do not collect $200") sends the player to the jail square without the usual traversal of the board.

Phrase

don't pass go

1. To say that somebody is obliged to do something without question.
   • 2001, Janice E. Hale, Learning While Black, page 126:

     As usual, this information was imparted to me with a blank stare, and dumped in my lap with an expression that said, "Don't pass Go, don't collect 200 dollars, go straight to jail!"

Usage notes

• The expression is used on its own, or together with don't collect 200 dollars (or pounds), go straight to jail, as written on the original chance card in the Monopoly® board game. See also do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Anagrams

• stop-and-gos