set in motion
Start things moving
To set in motion is to start something moving or cause a process to begin: The discovery set in motion a chain of events that would change everything.
The phrase suggests initiating something that will continue under its own momentum—you set the wheels in motion, then watch them turn.
- startTo set going
- launchSet into motion
- beginTo start something
- get the ball rollingInitiate an activity
- triggerWhat initiates action
commence · spark off · light a fire under · fire up · catalyze · propel · inaugurate · give the green light · get going · jump start · set off · ignite · instigate · move · kickstart · open · mobilize · institute
activation vs. stasis
set in motionkeep still
Refrain from moving
immobilize · freeze · arrest · stall · paralyze
motion, motive, initiative, activate, initiate, initiation, activated, initiated, initiator