Source: Survivor

Speaker: Jeff Probst

The tribe has spoken...it's time for you to go.

Context

This line is spoken by host Jeff Probst on the TV show Survivor (2000).

Before Survivor premiered in May of 2000, people only lived on deserted islands in classic literature and cheesy 1960s sitcoms.

Survivor redefined both deserted islands and television as we knew it. 

Here's how it goes: a handful of people (along with host Jeff Probst and a few dozen cameramen) are stranded on an island or other inhospitable environment and must eat rice and bugs while competing in the most ridiculous physical challenges this side of Double Dare for a chance at winning a million bucks.

At the end of every episode, the tribe gets together to vote someone else, be it the weakest link or the one who just talks too much. When Probst tallies the votes, he tells the evicted cast member, "The tribe has spoken," and, with a dramatic musical flourish, snuffs out their torch.

"It's time to go," he says, forcing the contestant into a walk of shame seen by millions of people each week.

Where you've heard it

"The tribe has spoken" is the Adam and Eve of reality-show elimination catchphrases, begetting "Please pack your knives and go," "Sashay away," and dozens of others.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

The tribe has spoken…it's time for you to stop thinking you're cool enough to quote Jeff Probst.

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