PhrasesHub

Get the ball rolling

    Definitions

      • start something
        To initiate or begin an activity, process, or task, often with the goal of getting others involved or moving forward with a plan or idea.

      • spur action
        To encourage or motivate someone to take action or make progress towards a goal or objective.

      • create momentum
        To establish a sense of progress or forward movement, often with the intention of keeping it going and building upon it.

    Examples of Get the ball rolling

    • The project has been stalled for weeks, but we need to get the ball rolling if we want to meet our deadline.

      This idiom is used to mean starting or initiating something. The phrase "get the ball rolling" comes from the image of a ball being rolled down a hill, which sets other things in motion. In this example, the speaker is urging their team to begin working on the project in order to complete it on time.ANALYSIS: This idiom is commonly used in business and project management contexts, as it implies a sense of urgency and momentum. It can also be used in other situations where there is a need to start or begin something, such as organizing an event or starting a new venture.2. Pull out all the stops

    • The company is pulling out all the stops to secure the contract.

      This idiom is used to mean doing everything possible to achieve a goal. The phrase "pull out all the stops" comes from the image of a musical organ, where pulling out all the stops refers to using all the available resources to produce the loudest and most impressive sound. In this example, the speaker is implying that the company is going to great lengths to win the contract.ANALYSIS: This idiom is commonly used in business and sales contexts, as it implies a sense of determination and effort. It can also be used in other situations where there is a need to go above and beyond what is expected, such as planning a special event or competing in a sporting event.3. Bite the bullet

    • I know it's going to be painful, but I have to bite the bullet and submit my resignation.

      This idiom is used to mean facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination. The phrase "bite the bullet" comes from the image of a soldier biting down on a bullet to withstand the pain of surgery without anesthesia. In this example, the speaker is implying that they are preparing themselves to endure the discomfort of resigning from their job.ANALYSIS: This idiom is commonly used in personal and professional contexts, as it implies a sense of resilience and fortitude. It can also be used in other situations where there is a need to face a challenging or uncomfortable situation, such as undergoing a medical procedure or giving a speech in front of a large audience.4. Spill the beans

    • I can't keep this a secret any longer, I'm afraid I'm going to have to spill the beans.

      This idiom is used to mean revealing a secret or confidential information. The phrase "spill the beans" comes from the image of spilling the contents of a container, such as a bag of beans, and revealing what is inside. In this example, the speaker is implying that they are going to disclose a secret that they have been keeping.ANALYSIS: This idiom is commonly used in personal and social contexts, as it implies a sense of discretion and trust. It can also be used in other situations where there is a need to share confidential information, such as in business negotiations or legal proceedings.5. Piece of cake

    • This project is going to be a piece of cake, I'm confident we can complete it in no time.

      This idiom is used to mean easy or straightforward. The phrase "piece of cake" comes from the image of a simple and easy task, such as eating a piece of cake. In this example, the speaker is implying that the project is going to be easy and straightforward.ANALYSIS: This idiom is commonly used in business and project management contexts, as it implies a sense of confidence and optimism. It can also be used in other situations where there is a need to convey a sense of ease or simplicity, such as in cooking or crafting.


    Conclusion

    "Get the ball rolling" is a versatile idiom that is commonly used to describe the act of starting or initiating something. It can be used in a literal sense, such as starting a game or sport by physically rolling a ball, or in a figurative sense to describe starting a project, task, or idea.

    The idiom can also convey a sense of encouragement or motivation, as it often implies the need for action or progress. It can also refer to creating momentum or a sense of forward movement, indicating the importance of keeping things moving once they have been started.

    Overall, "get the ball rolling" is a commonly used idiom that can be applied to a variety of situations, but ultimately conveys the idea of taking that first step towards accomplishing a goal or starting a process.

    Origin of "Get the ball rolling"

    The origin of "get the ball rolling" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from sports, particularly from the game of cricket. In cricket, the bowler (pitcher) must roll the ball to the batter in order to start the game. This action is often referred to as "getting the ball rolling."

    Over time, the phrase became more commonly used in everyday language to describe starting or initiating something. It is possible that the phrase was also influenced by other sports, such as soccer or basketball, where a ball is also used to start the game.

    Today, "get the ball rolling" is a widely recognized and used idiom, often used in business and professional settings as well as in casual conversation. Its origins may be rooted in sports, but its meaning and usage have expanded to encompass a wide range of situations and activities.