get/keep/set/start the ball rolling
get the ball rolling
To set something, often a process, in motion; to begin. I think it will be easier to become comfortable driving now that I've gotten the ball rolling with driving lessons. I'll get the ball rolling with the icing while you mix the batter.
keep the ball rolling
1. Literally, to make sure that a rolling ball stays in motion. You need to keep the ball rolling—that's how this game works!
2. To make sure that something, often a process, stays in motion. You'll definitely become more comfortable with driving if you keep the ball rolling with your driving lessons. I'll keep the ball rolling with the icing while you mix the batter.
set the ball rolling
To set something, often a process, in motion; to act to cause something to begin. I think it will be easier to become comfortable driving now that I've set the ball rolling with driving lessons. I'll set the ball rolling with the icing while you mix the cake batter.
start the ball rolling
To set something, often a process, in motion; to begin. I think it will be easier to become comfortable driving now that I've started the ball rolling with driving lessons. I'll start the ball rolling with the icing while you mix the batter.
get the ball rolling
and set the ball rolling; start the ball rollingFig. to get a process started. (See also keep the ball rolling) If I could just get the ball rolling, then other people would help. Who else would start the ball rolling? I had the ball rolling, but no one helped me with the project.
keep the ball rolling
1. Lit. to keep a rolling ball moving. You have to throw hard enough to keep the ball rolling all the way to the bowling pins.
2. Fig. to cause something that is in progress to continue. Tom started the project, and we kept the ball rolling. Who will keep the ball rolling now that she is gone?
get the ball rolling
Also, keep the ball rolling. Start an undertaking; also, keep an undertaking from flagging. For example, Let's get the ball rolling by putting up some posters, or The hostess kept the ball rolling, talking to each of the guests in turn. This expression originated in one or another sport in which it was important to keep a ball moving. [Colloquial; late 1700s] Also see get the show on the road.
keep the ball rolling
If someone or something keeps the ball rolling, they make sure that a process continues. We realised we would need outside funding to keep the ball rolling. We made good progress at the end of last year and now I am hoping I can keep the ball rolling.
set the ball rolling
orstart the ball rolling
COMMON If you set the ball rolling or start the ball rolling, you start an activity or you do something which other people will join in with later. Evans set the ball rolling with a £1 million donation to the charity. I've already started the ball rolling. I've set up meetings with all sorts of people. Note: Verbs such as get and keep are also used. Once you get the ball rolling, everyone wants to be involved.