get the ball rolling
To start something
字面意思: to cause a sphere to begin rotating or moving forward
Use this phrase when you want to be the person who starts a project or conversation.
15秒了解
- To initiate a process or start an activity.
- Commonly used in business and social planning.
- Implies taking the first step to create momentum.
意思
This phrase means to take the first step to start a process or activity. It is like pushing a heavy ball to make it start moving on its own.
关键例句
3 / 6Starting a business meeting
Okay everyone, let's get the ball rolling by reviewing the budget.
Okay everyone, let's start by reviewing the budget.
Planning a group vacation
I'll get the ball rolling by booking the flights today.
I'll start things off by booking the flights today.
Texting a friend about a party
I've invited 10 people to get the ball rolling!
I've invited 10 people to start the process!
文化背景
The phrase gained massive popularity during the 1840 US presidential campaign of William Henry Harrison. Supporters literally pushed large paper balls from town to town to represent his growing momentum. Today, it is the quintessential 'corporate' idiom used to inspire teams to take action.
The 'Let's' Power
Pair this with `Let's` to sound like a natural leader in any English-speaking group.
Don't say 'Push'
Even though you push a ball, the idiom is always `get` or `start`. Never say `push the ball rolling`.
15秒了解
- To initiate a process or start an activity.
- Commonly used in business and social planning.
- Implies taking the first step to create momentum.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a party. Everyone is sitting in silence. You decide to turn on the music. You just got the ball rolling. It means you took the first action. You broke the ice. You started the momentum for everyone else. It is about being the spark for a bigger fire.
How To Use It
You usually use this with the word let's. For example, let's get the ball rolling. You can also say someone else did it. She got the ball rolling on the project. It works as a verb phrase. You can change the tense easily. You can say I will get the ball rolling or we got the ball rolling yesterday.
When To Use It
Use it when a task feels big. Use it when people are waiting for a leader. It is perfect for the start of a meeting. It works well when planning a trip with friends. Use it when you want to show initiative. It sounds proactive and energetic. It makes you sound like a person who gets things done.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, instant actions. You do not get the ball rolling to sneeze. Do not use it if the action is already finished. It is strictly for the beginning phase. Avoid using it in very tragic or somber moments. Saying it at a funeral would be very awkward. Keep it for productive or social settings.
Cultural Background
This phrase likely comes from sports like football or croquet. In the 1800s, it was used in American politics. Candidates used it to describe their campaign momentum. Now, it is a staple of office life. It reflects the Western value of being a 'self-starter'. It suggests that starting is the hardest part.
Common Variations
You might hear keep the ball rolling. This means to continue the progress. Some people say set the wheels in motion. That is a bit more formal. You might also hear kick things off. That is very common in casual UK English. All of these focus on that magical first step.
使用说明
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any situation where a start is needed. It is slightly more energetic than just saying 'start'.
The 'Let's' Power
Pair this with `Let's` to sound like a natural leader in any English-speaking group.
Don't say 'Push'
Even though you push a ball, the idiom is always `get` or `start`. Never say `push the ball rolling`.
The Corporate Favorite
This is one of the most common 'business buzzwords'. Using it in an interview shows you understand office culture.
例句
6Okay everyone, let's get the ball rolling by reviewing the budget.
Okay everyone, let's start by reviewing the budget.
A classic way to transition from small talk to work.
I'll get the ball rolling by booking the flights today.
I'll start things off by booking the flights today.
Shows you are taking the first concrete action.
I've invited 10 people to get the ball rolling!
I've invited 10 people to start the process!
Casual use to show progress in planning.
Well, since no one is talking, I'll get the ball rolling: I like cheese.
Since no one is talking, I'll start: I like cheese.
Using a big phrase for a silly purpose.
Maybe going for a walk will help get the ball rolling on your recovery.
Maybe a walk will help start your recovery process.
Gentle encouragement to take a small first step.
The CEO's speech really got the ball rolling for the new merger.
The CEO's speech started the merger process.
Used to describe a high-level catalyst.
自我测试
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
We need to get the ___ rolling if we want to finish by Friday.
The standard idiom is always `get the ball rolling`.
Select the best context for this phrase.
Which situation fits 'get the ball rolling'?
The phrase is about starting a process, not finishing one.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Get the Ball Rolling'
Used with friends for dinner plans.
Let's get the ball rolling on pizza!
Standard office or group use.
Let's get the ball rolling on the meeting.
Acceptable in business reports.
The initiative got the ball rolling.
Where to Start the Ball
Office Meeting
Starting the agenda
Group Chat
Planning a weekend trip
Renovations
Buying the first can of paint
Networking
Introducing two people
常见问题
10 个问题Not at all. It is very common in professional settings to show you are ready to work.
Technically yes, but people will think you are making a joke or a pun.
Kick off is often for an event, while get the ball rolling is for a process or task.
No, it is always singular the ball. Using plural sounds like you are talking about juggling.
Yes, it is used globally across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
They are similar, but break the ice is specifically for social tension, while this is for any task.
Yes, you can say I don't want to get the ball rolling on that if you want to avoid starting something bad.
Not really, but you can just say Let's start if you want to be very direct.
Project managers, team leaders, and organized friends are the biggest fans of this phrase.
It is an older idiom, but it is still used every single day in modern offices.
相关表达
Kick things off
To begin an event or a meeting.
Set the wheels in motion
To start a complex series of events.
Get the show on the road
To begin an activity that has been planned for a long time.
Keep the ball rolling
To maintain the momentum of something already started.
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