Learn English – If someone says “Do not pass go” to you, what do they mean

meaningphrases

I have seen this phrase do not pass go a couple of times reading Internet forums, but I don't remember figuring it out in context, as I've never played the game Monopoly. What does it mean?

Best Answer

The other two answers are correct, but they miss a crucial detail which is key to why the phrase has entered popular idiom. The message on the Chance card is worded the way it is to be unambiguous, but the intent is that it is to happen straightaway and no detours are allowed. Because of this, using the phrase outside of the board game means not only "you've failed" but "you've failed right now and you are not allowed any benefits that might ordinarily happen on the way to account or atone for it."

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