to begin something
Examples:
- Don, we are a week late in starting the project. Let’s get the ball rolling.
- Now that we have decided the work team, we can get the ball rolling on this project.
- Should I start the slideshow? Yes, let's get the ball rolling.
- The CEO's announcement got the ball rolling on the merger discussions.
Origin: From the English sport of croquet; also linked to William Harrison's 1840 US presidential campaign.
Synonyms: keep the ball rolling, kick things off, start the process, set things in motion