Keep the meter running

You use this phrase when you have a quick errand. Use it when you are dropping off a package. Use it when you are picking up a friend. You can say it directly to the driver. You can also use it metaphorically. In a meeting, it means "don't stop the process yet." It implies that time is money. Always say it with a polite smile. It makes the driver feel respected.

Use it at a dry cleaner's. Use it when grabbing a coffee to go. It works well if you are in a rush. Use it when you want to show you are in a hurry. It is perfect for busy city life. You might use it when a friend is waiting for you. It sounds very confident and decisive. It shows you value your time more than the extra cost.

Do not use it for a long lunch. Drivers will get annoyed if you take an hour. Do not use it if you are unsure of your return. It is rude to leave someone waiting indefinitely. Avoid using it in very formal business letters. It is a spoken expression, not a written one. Don't use it if you are on a tight budget. Those extra minutes can get very expensive!

This phrase comes from the golden age of yellow cabs. In cities like New York or London, taxis are everywhere. The meter is the heart of the taxi business. It represents the literal cost of time. In movies, rich characters often say this to look busy. It has become a symbol of a fast-paced, urban lifestyle. It suggests you have important places to be.

You might hear Leave the meter running. Some people say Keep the engine going. In the UK, you might hear Keep the clock ticking. They all mean the same thing. The meter version is the most common worldwide. It is a classic piece of English street slang that everyone understands.