Getting the ball rolling In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "getting the ball rolling", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Jimmy Hung

2021-04-01 12:04

Meaning of Getting the ball rolling (redirected from get/keep/set/start the ball rolling )

Synonyms:

make a move , put in motion

Get/keep/set/start the ball rolling verb phrase

Begin to take action on an activity

I can't keep on procrastinating any longer. I have to get the ball rolling now!

After receiving the email, Alex started the ball rolling on the work right away.

Other phrases about:

swing into action

Quickly start working or operating

get down to cases

To start working on something seriously or determinedly; to start doing what needs to be done

set off on (something)

To make something beginning or happenning, especially an acitivity, event or a series of events

(it's) showtime

It's time for something to start.

turn the page

To make a new start after you have been through many difficulties.

Grammar and Usage of Get/keep/set/start the ball rolling

Verb Forms

getting the ball rolling
kept the ball rolling
starts the ball rolling

The verb "get/keep/set/start" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Get/keep/set/start the ball rolling

"Keep the ball rolling". (Image Source: Allthepresidentsbooks)

This expression is an American variation of an older British expression 'keep the ball up' from the 1700s, which had the meaning continue something.

The expression became popular due to the 1840 presidential campaign of William Harrison. During the campaign, his staff created large spheres known as Victory Balls, which were rolled through the streets while the crowd chanted, “Keep the ball rolling.”

Moreover, this expression is a sports term in the croquet game in Britain from the mid-1850s.