THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Hit the ground running
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To begin a new activity immediately with effective, energetic work.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Reading the project notes in advance will help you hit the ground running.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Reading the project notes in advance will help you ________.
Show the answer
Hit the ground running — To begin a new activity immediately with effective, energetic work.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Hit the ground running” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To begin a new activity immediately with effective, energetic work.
Compare: Reading the project notes in advance will help you hit the ground running.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal expression when someone is ready to contribute quickly at the start of a job or project. Preparation often makes that kind of start possible.
More examples in context
- The new coordinator hit the ground running and organised the first meeting on her second day.
- We wanted to hit the ground running when the course began, so we checked the materials beforehand.
Usage note
Hit is the same in present and past forms. The expression describes a strong, effective beginning; simply rushing without understanding the task is not enough.
A short conversation
A: Why are you reviewing the notes before your first day?
B: I want to hit the ground running.
A: That should help you ask useful questions early.
One more practice question
Who hits the ground running?
A. A prepared team begins useful work immediately when the project starts.
B. An unprepared team spends the opening week unable to begin.
Check your answer
A. The team makes an immediate, effective start, which is what the expression emphasises.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.