ɡɛt ðə bɔːl ˈroʊlɪŋ
Business
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- To start a ball moving by rolling it
What does "get the ball rolling" mean?
- To initiate an activity or process
- To make a start on something
Examples
- Let's get the ball rolling on this project by scheduling a kickoff meeting.
- Who wants to get the ball rolling with the first presentation?
- We need to get the ball rolling if we want to meet the deadline.
Origin
Possibly from ball sports like bowling or croquet, where rolling the ball begins the game. Used figuratively since the early 20th century.
How to use it
Very common in business contexts. Implies taking initiative to begin something.
Similar expressions
start
initiate
kick off
begin
Opposites
delay
postpone
stall
Related idioms
- on the same page
In agreement or having the same understanding
- cut to the chase
To get to the point without wasting time
- hit the ground running
To start a new job or activity with immediate effectiveness
- in the loop
Included in the flow of information
- the bottom line
The most important point or factor
- get up to speed
To become fully informed about a situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "get the ball rolling" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.