Ever hear someone enthusiastically yell, “drive it like you stole it” as you rev up your engine? This popular saying actually has a couple of meanings that have endured over time.
The Meaning of “Drive It Like You Stole It”
When someone tells you to “drive it like you stole it,” they don’t literally mean for you to break the law and put lives in danger. This popular saying has taken on a couple of meanings over the years.
The first and most obvious meaning is that if you did steal a car, you’d want to drive it quickly to avoid getting caught. So, in a sense, “drive it like you stole it” means to drive fast and recklessly. But in common use today, it’s more about driving with enthusiasm, passion, and vigor.
- Maybe you just got your license, and you’re excited to get behind the wheel.
- Perhaps you just purchased a sports car and want to open it up on an open road.
- Or maybe you’re in a hurry to get somewhere important.
In any case, “driving it like you stole it” means putting the pedal to the metal and going for it without hesitation or restraint. Throw caution to the wind and unleash the need for speed!
Of course, it goes without saying that you should always drive safely and follow the rules of the road. No one is actually suggesting you break laws or endanger others with reckless driving. The phrase is meant to convey an attitude of unbridled excitement, adventure, and passion in a lawful and responsible way.
How To Drive It Like You Stole It
To drive it like you stole it, you would:
- Floor the gas pedal and accelerate as fast as possible.
- Take turns at high speeds, causing the tires to squeal.
- Weave in and out of traffic with little regard for safety.
- Disobey traffic laws like speed limits, stop signs, and red lights.
- Drive very carefully as if you were actually driving a stolen car.
Of course, this is extremely dangerous and illegal. The saying is meant to convey an attitude of reckless abandon and thrill-seeking behind the wheel. It suggests driving at maximum speed and intensity for an adrenaline rush.
While this phrase is popular in movies, music, and culture, it absolutely does not recommend actually driving like a criminal on the run. Save the high-speed chases for the movies and follow all traffic laws when operating a vehicle.
The Saying Also Means Driving Very Carefully and Cautiously
When people say, “drive it like you stole it,” they don’t literally mean for you to drive recklessly as if you had just committed grand theft auto. Rather, it suggests driving with enthusiasm, passion, and joy, as if you were excited to take a spin in your newly “acquired” ride.
One meaning is to drive very carefully and cautiously as if you wanted to avoid getting caught driving a stolen vehicle. You would obey all traffic laws, avoid speeding or reckless driving, and do nothing to draw attention to yourself. The saying suggests driving with the utmost care and vigilance.
Drive Enthusiastically
The more common interpretation is to drive with zest, vigor, and spirit. Imagine how thrilling it would feel to get behind the wheel of a high-performance sports car that wasn’t technically yours. You’d likely push it to its limits and really open it up to experience the power and handling. Translate that excitement and joy of driving to your daily commute or weekend pleasure cruising. Of course, do so safely and responsibly by following all traffic laws. But inject some passion and zeal into your driving.
In the end, this popular saying is about tapping into your enthusiasm for driving and experiencing the thrill of being behind the wheel. Unleash your inner speed demon—but do so judiciously and stay within legal limits. That’s really what “drive it like you stole it” is all about.
Final Words
Far from encouraging reckless behavior or illegal activity, this phrase is really all about throwing caution to the wind and living life with passion and gusto. Whether that means pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, taking risks to go after your dreams, or simply enjoying each moment like it’s a precious gift, driving it as you stole it is all about making the most of this short life we have. Next time you hear someone use that phrase, you’ll know they’re really just encouraging you to live fully, love deeply, and follow your bliss. Now get out there and drive it like you stole it!
