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 not to do anything without receiving further instructions.(Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this sense?)
   • 1994, Linda Shaw, One Pale, Fawn Glove., page 195:

     Don't come back, don't see Taylor, don't pass Go. Don't do anything in this town again, Miss Grey, ever.

2. 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