one for the money, two for the show, three to make ready, and four to go

one for the money, two for the show, three to make ready, and four to go

English

Phrase

one for the money, two for the show, three to make ready, and four to go

1. A countdown prior to exerting some effort, such as launching a burden or running a race.
   • 2007, William Bernard McCarthy, Cinderella in America (page 268)

     And then they swung him back and forth, and back and forth, saying: "One for the money, two for the show, three to make ready, and four to go." And up they tossed him into the air.

Alternative forms

• one to begin, two to show, three to make ready, and four to go