- get the ball rolling
- get the ball rolling & 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.
* * *or[set the ball rolling] or[start the ball rolling] {informal} To start an activity or action; make a beginning; begin. * /George started the ball rolling at the party by telling a new joke./ Compare: KEEP THE BALL ROLLING.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.