shovel-ready (1995)

[Benjamin Zimmer]

In my latest Word Routes column I make a last-minute WOTY pitch for
"shovel-ready":

http://staging.visualthesaurus.com/cm/wordroutes/1652/

The earliest cites I've found so far are from 1995:

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1995 _Worcester Telegram & Gazette_ 22 Feb. (Factiva) Brewer noted that
projects seeking approval from the state Board of Education have to be
"shovel ready."
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1995 _Worcester Telegram & Gazette_ 27 Feb. A8 (Factiva) The fast-track
agenda is prompted by an effort to meet a June 1 application deadline, when
school building plans must be submitted - "shovel ready" - to be considered
for 90 percent state reimbursement.
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--Ben Zimmer

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