set the wheels in motion
To act to cause something to begin. The senator from New Hampshire set the wheels in motion for the legislation. We've been planning the details for months, but it's ultimately up to the boss to set the wheels in motion.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
wheels in motion
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
set the wheels in motion
If you set the wheels in motion you do what is necessary to start something happening. So if you'll just sign the agreement, we'll set the wheels in motion. By 1971 Bridget's mother had set the wheels in motion to divorce Tayar. Note: The verb put is sometimes used instead of set. Less than 30 days after becoming leader of his party, he put the wheels in motion to forge a merger with the Alliance. Note: You can also say that the wheels are in motion. Sources indicated the wheels are in motion for the two sides to meet following tomorrow's Grey Cup game.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
set the wheels in motion
do something to begin a process or put a plan into action.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017