English Reference
Idiom idiom

get started


To cause (someone) to start talking about something in length.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“Don't get him started on his favorite football team.”

CONTEXTUAL

“If you ask her about the new office policy, it will get her started on a long rant.”

COMPLEX

“One should avoid mentioning the local politics, lest it get the professor started on a lengthy and exhausting lecture.”


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

    Alternative form of been there, done that, bought the T-shirt.

  3. 03

    can't get enough

    Greatly enjoys; likes a lot.

  4. 04

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  5. 05

    could not get elected dogcatcher

    Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

  6. 06

    don't get someone started

    Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.

  7. 07

    fits and starts

    Activity which is intermittent, variable in intensity, and prolonged by interruptions.

  8. 08

    five will get you ten

    I strongly believe.

Last updated August 10, 2026