Coining a phrase:
"When the going gets gone": This suggests that when circumstances deteriorate or opportunities disappear ("the going gets gone"), it prompts a reaction.
"The gone get going": Here, "the gone" could refer to those who have been overlooked, marginalized, or have previously retreated. The phrase implies that these individuals are now motivated to take action or re-engage.
Collectively, the phrase may convey that when situations worsen or opportunities vanish, those who were previously inactive or absent are compelled to step up and take initiative.
This interpretation aligns with the structure of antimetabole, a rhetorical device where words are repeated in reverse order to create a memorable statement. The original idiom is a classic example of this device.
It's also worth noting that "get gone" is informal slang meaning to leave or depart quickly. However, in the context of your phrase, it is used more figuratively to suggest becoming active or engaged.
In essence, the phrase underscores a shift where those previously considered "gone" or inactive become proactive in response to declining circumstances.
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