PhrasesHub

To keep the ball rolling

    Definitions

      • maintain momentum
        To continue an activity or process in order to maintain progress or momentum

      • encourage participation
        To keep a conversation or activity going in order to encourage continued participation or engagement

    Examples of To keep the ball rolling

    • After a successful product launch, the company has been keeping the ball rolling by continuously promoting the product through social media and other marketing channels.

      This idiom is used to mean that the company is continuing to take action and maintain momentum, following a successful initial effort. "Rolling" refers to the ongoing progress or movement of a project or initiative, and "keeping the ball" emphasizes the importance of sustaining and building on that progress.

    • In order to secure additional funding for the project, the team has been working hard to keep the ball rolling by demonstrating tangible results and generating positive feedback from stakeholders.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe efforts to maintain momentum in order to achieve a specific goal. "Rolling" in this context implies a continuous stream of activity or output, while "keeping the ball" highlights the need to maintain focus and follow through in order to achieve success.

    • Following a key presentation, the speaker encouraged the audience to help keep the ball rolling by sharing their own insights and experiences related to the topic.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be used to encourage ongoing engagement and collaboration, building on the initial momentum created by a successful event or discussion. "Rolling" indicates a sense of dynamism and momentum, while "keeping the ball" emphasizes the importance of maintaining that momentum through continued participation and input.

    • Despite facing some challenges along the way, the team has been working diligently to keep the ball rolling and stay focused on achieving their goals.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe efforts to maintain focus and determination in the face of obstacles or setbacks. "Rolling" implies a sense of forward momentum, while "keeping the ball" emphasizes the importance of persistence and perseverance in order to succeed.

    • After a successful launch of their product, the CEO said, "Let's keep the ball rolling and continue our marketing strategy to maintain our sales record."

      The phrase "keep the ball rolling" means to keep a project or activity moving forward. In this example, the CEO is encouraging his team to continue their successful marketing strategy to maintain their sales record. "(Let's) Keep the ball rolling" is used to ensure that the current momentum and progress are not lost.

    • The negotiations between the two parties went well, the mediator suggested, "Let's not let the progress made so far go to waste. Let's keep the ball rolling and make a deal soon."

      In this instance, "let's not let the progress made so far go to waste" is used to emphasize that the progress achieved in the negotiations should not be wasted. "Let's keep the ball rolling" is used to encourage both parties to continue with the positivity and momentum gained in the negotiation process.

    • The author's bestselling book received critical acclaim, and the publishers stated, "We want to keep the ball rolling with this author's works. Let's plan for the next series of books soon."

      In this example, "let's keep the ball rolling" is used to express a desire to maintain the author's successful track record. The publishers intend to build on the success of the previous book and continue publishing the author's works.

    • The team's performance in the first half of the game was incredible, and the coach said, "Let's not let the team's high spirits die down. Let's keep the ball rolling and maintain this level of performance in the second half as well."

      In this example, "let's not let the team's high spirits die down" is used to communicate the importance of keeping the team's energy and enthusiasm high. "Let's keep the ball rolling" is employed to motivate the team to sustain the momentum achieved in the first half of the game and aim for a win in the second half as well.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "to keep the ball rolling" is often used in both professional and social contexts. It can be used to encourage the continuation of a positive activity or to maintain momentum in a particular process. In social situations, it is used to keep a conversation or activity going and to encourage others to participate.

    Origin of "To keep the ball rolling"

    The origin of the idiom "to keep the ball rolling" is thought to come from the world of sports, particularly from the game of rugby or American football. In these sports, the ball must be kept in motion in order for the game to continue. If the ball stops moving, the game loses its momentum and energy. This concept was then applied metaphorically to other areas of life, where keeping the "ball" (or activity) "rolling" is essential for maintaining progress and momentum. Over time, the idiom has become a common expression in the English language, used to encourage the continuation of positive activities and processes.