Original artwork, not a still
Why don't you make like a tree and get outta here?
— Back to the Future · 1985
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Biff's swaggering dismissal is a stock bit of 1950s slang, and the pause before it is what makes it stick: a bully letting Marty go as if it were a favour. Fans turn it round on anyone overstaying their welcome, and the sequel's insistence on getting the word right shows how far it had travelled.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Back to the FutureShow the scene
Back to the Future (1985). In 1955, in the Hill Valley High lunchroom, Marty has just been coaching George when Biff Tannen starts pawing at Lorraine. Marty tells him to take his hands off her, and Biff, who is a good foot taller, stands up to him. Spotting Mr. Strickland over Marty's shoulder, Biff decides to be generous and tells Marty to make like a tree. Marty then catches up with George in the street. Part II brings the phrase back, with the wording corrected to leave.
Sources (3)
- Futurepedia: Back to the Future transcriptLorraine, Biff and Marty scene, followed by the Street sceneReference checked
- Wikiquote: Back to the FutureBiff Tannen quotesReference checked
- Wikiquote: Back to the Future Part IIImage captionsReference checked
Context reviewed
