What does “Set the wheels in motion” mean?
"Set the wheels in motion" means to start a process or take action.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After months of planning, we finally set the wheels in motion for the new project.
Example
The CEO's announcement set the wheels in motion for major changes within the company.
Example
With the approval from the board, we can now set the wheels in motion for the new marketing campaign
Is “Set the wheels in motion” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Set the wheels in motion” 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 “Set the wheels in motion” effectively in context?
You can use "Set the Wheels in Motion" to describe the act of initiating or starting a process. It emphasizes taking action and beginning a series of events. For example, if you and your friends have been planning a road trip and you finally start making reservations and packing, you can say, 'We're finally setting the wheels in motion for our trip!'
- 1Project Management
After months of planning, we finally set the wheels in motion for the new project.
- 2Business
The CEO's announcement set the wheels in motion for major changes within the company.
- 3Marketing
With the approval from the board, we can now set the wheels in motion for the new marketing campaign.
Similar phrases to “Set the wheels in motion”:
Kickstart
To start or initiate something
Example
We need to kickstart the fundraising campaign.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Set the wheels in motion” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Set the Wheels in Motion" is unknown.
Is “Set the wheels in motion” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Set the Wheels in Motion" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used in professional settings to discuss starting or initiating a process.
What tone does “Set the wheels in motion” have?
"Set the Wheels in Motion" conveys a tone of action and progress. It implies that something is being actively started or put into motion.
Can “Set the wheels in motion” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Set the Wheels in Motion" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in business and project management contexts, but it can also be used in casual conversations to describe starting a process or taking action.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'We finally set the wheels in motion for our trip.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "set the wheels in motion"!' to imply readiness to start something.
