English Reference
Idiom idiom

get the ball rolling


To begin; to start some action; to set in motion.

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


SIMPLE

Let's get the ball rolling on this project today.

CONTEXTUAL

We need to get the ball rolling on the planning process before the deadline arrives next month.

COMPLEX

By organizing the initial committee meeting, the director hoped to get the ball rolling on the long-delayed renovation of the historic library.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    ball hog

    In team sports, a player who keeps the ball to themselves, rather than passing it.

  3. 03

    ball of fire

    A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.

  4. 04

    ball of malt

    A glass of whiskey.

  5. 05

    balls of steel

    Courage, audacity.

  6. 06

    balls to the wall

    With maximum effort or commitment.

  7. 07

    been there, done that, got the T-shirt

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

  8. 08

    bust one's balls

    To work very hard; to put in a lot of effort.

Last updated August 10, 2026