getting on a soapbox

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting on a soapbox" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone expressing their opinions or beliefs passionately, often in a public setting. Example: "During the meeting, she really got on her soapbox about the importance of environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

No one is getting on a soapbox to defend Dao's past actions, nor is there any need to.

Huffington Post

I'm not getting on a soapbox, I'm simply saying: Let's be kinder to one another.

Huffington Post

But it's not about getting on a soapbox.

The Guardian - Film

Giving advice to a terrorist group, even if it is not about violent activities, is not the same as getting on a soapbox and speaking about politics.

The New York Times

Given that we're only two years old, we're not getting on a soapbox at the moment to say that we're anything more than a small company in San Francisco that's pretty fired up about sustainability.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm sure if I got on a soapbox with Hitler, or with Torquemada, I'd lose.

The New Yorker

The thing I always thought is that you can't get on a soapbox with these guys.

The New Yorker

Why not? "I ought to get on a soapbox about it; it deteriorates as fast as we rebuild it".

The New York Times

One editor-in-chief of a rival publication thinks Thomson has crossed a line: "For me to get on a soapbox and critique companies makes it awkward for my reporters.

The New Yorker

* * * The notion of bringing hip-hop back to its roots is nothing new: every few years, it seems, someone will get on a soapbox and proclaim that things have gotten out of hand, and that a return to basics is urgently needed.

The New Yorker

Brooks goes on to wax philosophical on the subject: The great thing about dictators is, you have to know, if you get on a soapbox with them, you're gonna lose, because they have a way of spellbinding with their oratory.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While appropriate in many situations, this phrase might be too informal for some professional settings. Instead, consider "voicing strong opinions".

Common error

While descriptive, "getting on a soapbox" can become repetitive. Use it sparingly and vary your language by using alternative phrases like "expressing views publicly" or "vocalizing opinions strongly" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting on a soapbox" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of expressing one's opinions or beliefs in a public and often forceful manner. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting on a soapbox" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe someone expressing their opinions passionately and publicly. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is valid and usable in English writing. While grammatically correct and found in various sources like news and media, it's best used in neutral to informal contexts. If you're aiming for formal communication, consider alternative expressions like "voicing strong opinions" or "expressing views publicly". Its primary function is to persuade or advocate, but avoid overuse to maintain engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voicing strong opinions

This alternative replaces "getting on a soapbox" with a more straightforward expression of sharing opinions forcefully.

speaking out assertively

This phrase underscores the assertive manner of expressing one's views.

airing strong views

This alternative suggests expressing opinions widely and publicly.

vocalizing opinions strongly

This alternative highlights the strength and intensity with which opinions are expressed.

asserting beliefs publicly

This alternative focuses on the confident declaration of beliefs in a public setting.

expressing views publicly

This alternative emphasizes the public nature of sharing opinions, shifting the focus from the act of speaking to the audience.

taking a public stance

This alternative shifts the emphasis to the act of publicly declaring a position or viewpoint.

pontificating publicly

This alternative implies a more authoritative and sometimes condescending manner of speaking.

delivering a lecture

This alternative suggests a more formal and didactic approach to expressing opinions.

giving a harangue

This alternative emphasizes a forceful and often critical speech.

FAQs

What does it mean to "get on a soapbox"?

To "get on a soapbox" means to express your opinions or beliefs publicly and forcefully, often in a way that seems like you are preaching or lecturing.

How can I use "getting on a soapbox" in a sentence?

You can say, "She started "getting on a soapbox" about the need for more funding for education" or "He tends to "get on a soapbox" whenever politics are discussed."

What are some alternatives to "getting on a soapbox"?

Some alternatives include "voicing strong opinions", "expressing views publicly", or "taking a public stance".

Is "getting on a soapbox" formal or informal?

"Getting on a soapbox" is generally considered an informal expression. For formal contexts, it's better to use alternatives like "asserting beliefs publicly" or "articulating a position".