Cartoon: Roll Up Your Sleeves

Cartoon by Steve Benson of the Arizona Republic published on 10 April 2009

To roll up one’s sleeves (and get to work) means to get busy working. In English we often say “Let’s roll up our sleeves (and get to work)” or “It’s time to roll up our sleeves (and get to work).” It is optional to add “and get to work” since it is usually understood. A sleeve is the part of clothing that covers your arm.

“Right on” is a very common colloquial interjection of agreement, enthusiasm or encouragement  in English. This interjection probably comes from the expression right on target (droit dans le mille) or right on cue (tomber à pique).