get out while the getting's good

present singular third person gets out while the getting's good · participle present getting out while the getting's good · past got out while the getting's good · UK participle past got out while the getting's good · US participle past gotten out while the getting's good

1. colloquialTo leave at an opportune time or before adverse conditions arise.

   Take your choice; get out while the getting's good, or we'll boom Glad-hand by starting a Boot Hill right here." A Boot Hill! Grinch reflected.

   1912, Sarah Comstock, The soddy, page 200

2. colloquialidiomaticTo sell all or part of one's holdings in stocks, real estate, a business, etc. while conditions are good, particularly in anticipation of a drop in prices.

   It costs pretty near as much to sell a used truck as a new one and there is usually ... close down business right away and get out while the getting's good.

   1924, “When You Put Through a Sale Without a Profit for Yourself Do You Call it a Sale?”, in James Artman, editor, The Commercial car journal, volume 28, page 9

   Synonyms: quit while one is ahead, 23 skidoo