PhrasesHub

Hit the ground running

    Definitions

      • Start something quickly and with great energy and enthusiasm
        To begin a project or task immediately, without hesitation or delay, in a determined and efficient manner

      • Adapt quickly to a new situation or environment
        To quickly adjust and become productive in a new job, role, or location, often with minimal training or support

      • Experience a sudden and intense start
        To have a sudden and impactful start to an activity or event, often with a sense of urgency or urgency

    Examples of Hit the ground running

    • The new marketing executive hit the ground running by immediately identifying key areas for improvement and implementing strategies to address them.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who starts a new job, project, or activity with enthusiasm and energy, as if they are running as soon as they hit the ground. It suggests that the person is eager to get started and make a difference right away.ANALYSIS: This idiom is a metaphorical expression that uses the image of running to convey the idea of being energetic and productive. It highlights the importance of being proactive and taking action quickly in order to achieve success.2. Pull out all the stops

    • The company pulled out all the stops to secure the major client, going above and beyond their usual level of service to ensure their satisfaction.

      This idiom is used to describe someone or a company going to great lengths to achieve a goal or succeed in a particular situation. It suggests that all available resources and efforts are being used to achieve the desired outcome.ANALYSIS: This idiom is a metaphorical expression that uses the image of pulling out all the stops on an organ to convey the idea of using all available resources to achieve success. It highlights the importance of going the extra mile and doing everything possible to achieve a desired outcome.3. Break a leg

    • Before the performance, the actors were wishing each other luck and saying "break a leg" as a way of expressing their support and good wishes.

      This idiom is used as a way of wishing someone good luck, particularly in a theatrical or performing context. It is a humorous expression that originated from the superstition that wishing someone "good luck" would actually bring them bad luck.ANALYSIS: This idiom is a metaphorical expression that uses the image of breaking a leg as a way of expressing the opposite of what is intended. It highlights the importance of avoiding superstition and finding creative ways to express good wishes.4. Pull someone's leg

    • The comedian was known for pulling people's legs by telling outrageous jokes and exaggerated stories, leaving his audience in stitches.

      This idiom is used to describe someone telling an exaggerated or humorous story, often with the intention of making someone laugh. It suggests that the person is teasing or joking with the other person.ANALYSIS: This idiom is a metaphorical expression that uses the image of pulling someone's leg as a way of conveying the idea of teasing or joking with someone. It highlights the importance of using humor and playfulness in social situations.5. Bite the bullet

    • The surgeon advised the patient to bite the bullet and go through with the operation, as delaying it could result in serious complications.

      This idiom is used to describe someone facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination. It suggests that the person is preparing themselves mentally for what is to come.ANALYSIS: This idiom is a metaphorical expression that uses the image of biting a bullet as a way of conveying the idea of facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination. It highlights the importance of being mentally prepared for challenges and difficulties.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "hit the ground running" is most commonly used to express the idea of starting something quickly and with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. This can refer to beginning a project or task, as well as adapting to a new situation or environment. It can also describe a sudden and intense start to an activity or event.

    In all of these contexts, the idiom conveys a sense of urgency and determination. It implies that one is ready to take action and make progress without hesitation or delay. It also suggests a level of confidence and competence in being able to handle the situation at hand.

    Origin of "Hit the ground running"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from military training, specifically in the context of paratroopers. When soldiers would jump from a plane, they would immediately hit the ground and continue running in order to avoid being a target for enemy fire. This concept of quickly and efficiently starting a task or mission has evolved into the modern usage of the idiom.

    Another possible origin of the idiom could come from sports, specifically track and field events. In races such as relay races, runners would start their leg of the race by quickly hitting the ground with their feet and beginning to run. This fast and energetic start is similar to the figurative meaning of the idiom.

    Overall, the idiom "hit the ground running" has evolved to become a common phrase in everyday language, often used in business and professional contexts to convey a sense of readiness and determination. Its origins in military and sports training highlight the idea of starting quickly and with energy, which has become a key characteristic of this idiom.