English · Work & Business

get the ball rolling

/ɡet ðə bɔːl ˈrəʊl.ɪŋ/

[/ɡet ðə bɔːl ˈrəʊl.ɪŋ/]

start something

Intermediatephrase

Definition

To start an activity or process that involves several people.

Example

To get the ball rolling, why don't we each share one idea for the new campaign?

To get the ball rolling, why don't we each share one idea for the new campaign?

Etymology

A 19th-century phrase, possibly from lawn games where keeping a ball moving sustained play.

How & Where It’s Used

Common for initiating a group project or process.

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