set the wheels in motion
to initiate a chain of events necessary to help one achieve a goal (more quickly)
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We set the wheels in motion to start the project.”
“By signing the contract today, we have set the wheels in motion for the construction to begin next month.”
“The director set the wheels in motion by authorizing the initial funding, thereby ensuring the ambitious research program could finally commence.”
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all set
Ready, prepared, equipped.
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big wheel
A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
- 03
break the wheel
To end a pattern of oppression, inequality, injustice, or abuse.
- 04
Brownian motion
A state of chaos or disarray.
- 05
fifth wheel
Anything superfluous or unnecessary.
- 06
game, set, match
An expression indicating finality, announcing that a series of events—usually involving some form of rivalry—has reached a conclusion.
- 07
go through the motions
To do something in a mechanical, unreflective manner, especially as a matter of routine and without commitment or enthusiasm; to perform a task perfunctorily.
- 08
grease the wheels
To create conditions likely to produce or hasten favorable future developments.
Last updated August 10, 2026