Meaning
To begin an activity or process, especially one that has been delayed.
Cultural Background
Highly associated with the 'American Dream' and the value of being a 'self-starter.' Taking the initiative is one of the most praised traits in US workplaces. Often used with 'set' instead of 'get.' It is frequently used in local government and community organizing contexts. This is a 'safe' idiom for international business English (BELA). Most non-native speakers in corporate roles will understand it. Similar to the UK, but often replaced by 'get stuck in,' which is even more informal and implies hard physical work.
Use it to lead
If you want to be seen as a leader in a meeting, wait for a pause and say, 'I'll get the ball rolling by...' followed by a small action.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'get the balls rolling.' It sounds like you are talking about a physical game or, in some contexts, can sound accidentally vulgar.
Meaning
To begin an activity or process, especially one that has been delayed.
Use it to lead
If you want to be seen as a leader in a meeting, wait for a pause and say, 'I'll get the ball rolling by...' followed by a small action.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'get the balls rolling.' It sounds like you are talking about a physical game or, in some contexts, can sound accidentally vulgar.
Business Favorite
This is one of the top 5 most used idioms in American corporate culture. Learning it will make you sound instantly more professional.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
We've been planning this trip for weeks. It's finally time to ___ the ball ___.
The standard idiom is 'get the ball rolling.'
Which situation is the BEST fit for this idiom?
When would you say 'Let's get the ball rolling'?
The idiom is used to initiate a process or activity.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
Sarah: 'I'm worried we won't finish the website on time.' Tom: 'Don't worry. I'll ___.'
Tom is offering to take the first step to start the project.
Match the variation to the context.
Which phrase matches a 'casual sports-like start'?
'Kick things off' is the most casual and energetic variation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWe've been planning this trip for weeks. It's finally time to ___ the ball ___.
The standard idiom is 'get the ball rolling.'
When would you say 'Let's get the ball rolling'?
The idiom is used to initiate a process or activity.
Sarah: 'I'm worried we won't finish the website on time.' Tom: 'Don't worry. I'll ___.'
Tom is offering to take the first step to start the project.
Which phrase matches a 'casual sports-like start'?
'Kick things off' is the most casual and energetic variation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is a perfect synonym and very common.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails to show you are taking action.
There isn't one perfect idiom, but 'stalling' or 'dragging your feet' are good opposites.
Always 'the ball.' It refers to the specific metaphorical ball of your project.
Yes, but it's usually for things that take more than one step.
No, it is an idiom. It is acceptable in almost all professional settings.
While it sounds like soccer, its most famous origin is actually a US political campaign in 1840.
Use 'got.' For example: 'We got the ball rolling last week.'
No, that sounds very unnatural. Always use 'rolling.'
'Get' is more common in the US; 'Set' is common in the UK. Both are correct.
Related Phrases
Kick things off
similarTo start an event or discussion.
Keep the ball rolling
builds onTo maintain momentum.
Break the ice
similarTo start a social interaction.
Get the show on the road
similarTo begin a large planned activity.
Light a fire under someone
contrastTo motivate someone who is being slow.
