What does “Get the ball rolling” mean?
"Get the ball rolling" means to start something or initiate an action.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Let's get the ball rolling and start brainstorming ideas.
Example
We need to get the ball rolling on this project before the deadline.
Example
I'll make a few phone calls to get the ball rolling on the fundraising campaign
Is “Get the ball rolling” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Get the ball rolling” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Get the ball rolling” effectively in context?
You can use "Get the Ball Rolling" to encourage someone to start something or initiate an action. It emphasizes the need to begin a task or project. For instance, if you're in a meeting and want to start generating ideas, you might say, 'Let's get the ball rolling and start brainstorming ideas.'
- 1Meeting
To kick off the meeting, the team leader decided to get the ball rolling by outlining the agenda.
- 2Project
With the deadline approaching, they knew they had to get the ball rolling on the project to ensure its completion.
- 3Fundraising
She made a few phone calls to get the ball rolling on the fundraising campaign and gather initial support.
Similar phrases to “Get the ball rolling”:
Kickstart
To initiate or start something
Example
They needed to kickstart the marketing campaign to generate more sales.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Get the ball rolling” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Get the Ball Rolling" is unknown.
Is “Get the ball rolling” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Get the Ball Rolling" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to start a task or project or to express their own motivation to initiate action.
What tone does “Get the ball rolling” have?
"Get the Ball Rolling" conveys a tone of motivation and urgency. It's often used to inspire and push others to take the first step in getting things started.
Can “Get the ball rolling” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Get the Ball Rolling" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of initiating action. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Let's get the ball rolling and start the project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "get the ball rolling"!' to imply readiness to start something.
