get the ball rolling
Initiate the process
To get the ball rolling is to start something, especially a process or activity that will continue under its own momentum: Let's get the ball rolling with introductions.
The image suggests pushing a ball to set it in motion.
The phrase often appears when someone takes initiative to begin group action or break through initial inertia.
- startTo set going
- break the iceInitiate social interaction
- take the plungeCommit after hesitation
- pave the wayPrepare conditions for advancement
- open the doorAllow passage through
commencement · set the stage · inception · initiate · lay the groundwork · begin · take the first step · kickstart · jump start · inaugurate · launch · push forward · propel · accelerate · advance · engage · activate · expedite
- motion idiomsin motion, on the move, on the go, move forward, move along
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- office jargonsynergy, circle back, touch base, deep dive, action item
- sports idiomsdrop the ball, throw in the towel, slam dunk, out of left field, level playing field
- labor idiomsnose to the grindstone, burning the midnight oil, pull your weight, crunch time, work like a dog
- beginningsbegin, beginning, start, first, opening
get the ball rollingbring to a halt
put a stop to · shut down · put the brakes on · nip in the bud · terminate
get the ball rollingwait around
Remain idly expecting something
sit on one's hands · drag one's feet · procrastinate · hesitate · delay
get the ball rollingstall
Enclosed compartment or delay
stagnate · grind to a halt · hit a wall · lose steam · run out of gas
getting, gotten, balled, balling, rolled, rolling, roller, rollers