get (something) started

1. To cause something to begin or get underway. A: "What time are we going to get this dinner started?" B: "Soon, soon, I'm just waiting for a few more people." Robin's here, so let's get this party started! Woo! Can we please get this call started? I have to leave the office at 4:00 sharp.

2. To create something or bring something into being. If we're going camping, please tell me you know how to get a fire started. If you want to get a new spreadsheet started, just go to "File" and click on "New." OK, based on the blank canvas, you still haven't gotten your new painting started, huh?

3. To turn on a car's engine. Here are my keys—go get the car started and turn the heater on. It's freezing! How am I supposed to get my car started when the battery is dead and I don't have jumper cables? You'll never get that old piece of junk started! And, even if you do, you'll be lucky to make it down the street without it breaking down!

get started

To begin to undertake some task. It's already 6:00—if you're cooking something for dinner, you had better get started. Get started—I'll be back to check on you in a bit. It will be another hour or so before I'm ready to eat, so you go ahead and get started.