get the ball rolling
/ɡet ðə bɔːl ˈrəʊlɪŋ/
to start something, often by taking the first step
In the video
The boss says the new project starts today: “Let’s get the ball rolling!” So Peter pushes a giant ball labelled NEW PROJECT down a hill. When she asks where her project is, he points at the tiny ball far away: “Over there, boss! Still rolling!”
What it really means
Think about a heavy ball. The hard part is the first push. Once it moves, it keeps going by itself. Work is the same, so “get the ball rolling” means taking that first step so that things start to happen.
A popular story links the phrase to American elections in the 1800s, when supporters pushed huge balls through the streets. Today it has nothing to do with balls.
When to use it
Use it in meetings, at the start of a project, or when everyone is waiting for someone to begin. It sounds friendly and positive, and it works with colleagues and managers. To say “keep it going”, use “keep the ball rolling”.
Examples
- Let’s get the ball rolling on the new project.
- Who wants to get the ball rolling with the first idea?
- I’ll send the first draft today to get the ball rolling.
Common mistake
✗ Let’s roll the ball on this project.
✓ Let’s get the ball rolling on this project.
You can’t change the words in this phrase. “Roll the ball” is only about a ball. To say “start”, use the whole phrase.
Similar phrases
- kick things off to begin something; very common for meetings and events
- get started to begin; the simplest choice, and it works anywhere