hɪt ðə ɡraʊnd ˈrʌnɪŋ
Business
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To land on the ground and immediately start running
What does "hit the ground running" mean?
- To start a new job or activity with immediate effectiveness
- To begin something with energy and readiness from day one
Examples
- We need someone who can hit the ground running.
- She hit the ground running in her new role.
- The new CEO promised to hit the ground running.
Origin
Possibly from military parachuting—landing and immediately moving. Also from hobos jumping from moving trains. Popular in business since the 1980s.
How to use it
Very common in business and job contexts. Implies no learning curve or adjustment period needed.
Similar expressions
start strong
dive right in
get off to a flying start
Opposites
start slowly
ease into it
take time to adjust
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
- 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
- think outside the box
To think creatively and unconventionally
Use it in a practice answer
Try "hit the ground running" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.