set the wheels in motion
Begin the process
To set the wheels in motion is to begin a process or initiate a sequence of events, especially one that will continue under its own momentum: Once we set the wheels in motion, there's no turning back.
The phrase suggests starting something that, like machinery, will proceed through its stages once activated.
- initiateTo set in motion
- commenceTo set underway
- get the ball rollingInitiate an activity
- catalyzeAccelerate a process
- impetusForce initiating action
chain reaction · momentum · activate · jump start · domino effect · orchestrate · put into action · trigger · pull the trigger · propel · kickstart · execution · launch · ripple effect · kick-off · start · begin · first steps
set the wheels in motionbring to a halt
put a stop to · pull the plug · call off · shut down · nip in the bud
set the wheels in motiondrag one's feet
Deliberately slow progress
stall · procrastinate · hesitate · dither · delay
set the wheels in motionthrow a wrench in the works
Sabotage a functioning system
put the brakes on · grind to a halt · stall · derail · obstruct
setting, setter, wheel, wheels, wheeled, wheeling, wheeler, motion, motions