1837. R. H. Barham, The Ingoldsby Legends (Ed. 1862), p. 375. For of this be assured, if you go it too fast, you’ll be ‘dished’ like Sir Guy.
1846–48. Thackeray, Vanity Fair, vol. I., ch. 26. ‘He’s going it pretty fast,’ said the clerk.
1849. Dickens, David Copperfield, ch. 6. I say young Copperfield, you’re going it.
1841. Dow, Sermons, vol. I., p. 176. I would have you understand, my dear hearers, that I have no objection to some of the sons and daughters of the earth going it, while they are young, provided they don’t go it too strong.
1864. Fraser’s Mag., Aug., p. 54. But what if that O, brave heart? Art thou a labourer? Labour on, Art thou a poet? Go it strong.
1880. Milliken, in Punch’s Almanack Apr. Nobby togs, high jinks, and lots o’ lotion, That’s the style to go it, I’ve a notion.
Intj. (common).—Keep at it! Keep it up!—a general (sometimes ironical) expression of encouragement. Also go it ye gripples, crutches are cheap! (or newgate’s on fire); go it, my tulip; go it my gay and festive cuss! (Artemus Ward); or (American) go it boots! go it rags! i’ll hold your bonnet! g’lang! (usually to a man making the pace on foot or horseback.) For similar expressions see Mother. Fr., hardi!
1840. Thackeray, Cox’s Diary. Come along this way, ma’am! Go it, ye cripples!
1854. Thackeray, The Rose and the Ring, p. 92. ‘Go it, old boy!’ cried the impetuous Smith.
1868. Miss Braddon, Trail of the Serpent, bk. I., ch. iii. Three cheers for red! Go it—go it, red!