THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Get the ball rolling
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To take the first action that starts an activity or process.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I will get the ball rolling by sharing a first draft.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I will ________ by sharing a first draft.
Show the answer
Get the ball rolling — To take the first action that starts an activity or process.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Get the ball rolling” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To take the first action that starts an activity or process.
Compare: I will get the ball rolling by sharing a first draft.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this conversational expression when encouraging a group to begin or when volunteering to make the first contribution. It suits meetings, study groups and practical projects.
More examples in context
- A short question got the ball rolling in the discussion.
- Let’s get the ball rolling on the workshop by choosing a date.
Usage note
Start the ball rolling and set the ball rolling are variations. The past form with get is got the ball rolling. The phrase concerns starting progress, not completing the whole activity.
A short conversation
A: Nobody has suggested a topic yet.
B: I can get the ball rolling with an idea about local transport.
A: Good. Let’s hear it.
One more practice question
Which action gets the ball rolling in a meeting?
A. Offering the first idea so the discussion can begin.
B. Announcing that the already completed discussion is over.
Check your answer
A. The first contribution starts the activity and can encourage further participation.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.