PhrasesHub

Get underway

    Definitions

      • Start or begin something
        To initiate or commence an action, process, or journey.

      • Move or progress forward
        To continue moving or advancing in a particular direction or towards a specific goal.

      • Make progress
        To make headway or achieve progress in a particular endeavor or task.

    Examples of Get underway

    • The ship's captain signaled for us to get underway at 6:00 AM sharp.

      This example shows the use of "get underway" as a command given by the ship's captain to the crew, signaling them to begin their journey at the designated time.

    • With the arrival of favorable winds, the sailboat finally got underway after being stuck in the harbor for days.

      In this example, "get underway" is used to describe the action of the sailboat as it begins to move forward under its own power.

    • Although the weather report had predicted calm seas, the boat's engines suddenly malfunctioned, forcing us to get underway at a much slower pace than anticipated.

      Here, "get underway" is used to describe the boat's movement despite unexpected difficulties or obstacles.

    • The navy vessel quickly got underway in response to a distress signal from a nearby ship.

      This example showcases the urgency and immediate action required when "get underway" is used in response to an emergency situation.In all these examples, "get underway" is used as a phrasal verb that describes the process of a boat or ship starting or resuming its journey. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from commands given by authorities to descriptions of vessels in motion, representing the movement or motion of a boat or ship as it sets off on its course.

    • The ship's captain ordered the crew to get underway as soon as possible to avoid a threatening storm.

      In this example, the idiom "get underway" is used as a verb in the context of a ship setting sail. It refers to the process of preparing a ship for departure and moving it out of its current location.

    • The business convention was scheduled to get underway at noon, but some last-minute setbacks delayed the start.

      In this example, the idiom "get underway" is used as a phrasal verb to indicate the commencement of a meeting or event. It signifies that the meeting has officially started and proceedings have begun.

    • She was nervous as she stood onstage, her heart racing as the audience fell silent, waiting for her to get underway with her speech.

      In this example, the idiom "get underway" is used figuratively to denote the start of a speech or presentation. It illustrates the moment when a speaker begins to communicate their ideas to an audience.

    • After weeks of preparation, the rocket finally got underway, soaring into space with an explosive roar.

      In this example, the idiom "get underway" is used as a phrasal verb to depict the launch of a rocket, indicating that the engine has ignited and the vehicle is traveling into space.


    Conclusion

    The idiomatic phrase "get underway" is commonly used to describe the act of starting or beginning something, whether it be a task, journey, or process. It can also refer to the act of moving or progressing forward towards a goal or destination. In general, the phrase conveys a sense of movement and action, emphasizing the start or continuation of something.

    In some contexts, "get underway" can also imply making progress or achieving success in a particular endeavor. This meaning is often used in a more figurative sense, indicating that someone is making strides or headway towards their goal.

    Origin of "Get underway"

    The origin of the idiom "get underway" is believed to come from nautical terminology. In the past, the phrase was commonly used in the context of sailing and referred to the act of beginning a voyage or setting a ship in motion. This origin is reflected in the word "underway," which is a nautical term meaning "moving or making progress."

    Over time, the idiom has evolved to be used in a broader sense and is no longer limited to just nautical contexts. Today, it is commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of starting or moving forward in any type of situation. Its origins in the world of sailing may also contribute to its connotations of progress and forward movement.