Start the ball rolling Meaning in English
expression
ˈstɑɹt/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbɔɫ/ /ˈɹoʊɫɪŋ
START thuh or thee BAWL ROH-ling
stˈɑːt/ /ðə, ði/ /bˈɔːl/ /ɹˈəʊlɪŋ
STAHT thuh or thee BAWL ROH-ling
Definition
To begin a process, event, or activity, especially to start something so that others can join in or continue it.
Usage & Nuances
Idiom, informal; common in meetings, team work, or group discussions. Used to encourage taking the first step so others feel comfortable participating. Not related to sports despite the metaphor.
Spanish: empezar - poner en marcha (expresión) - dar el primer pasoPortuguese (BR): dar o pontapé inicial - começar (expressão) - iniciarPortuguese (PT): dar o pontapé de saída - começar (expressão) - iniciarChinese (Simplified): 带头开始（行动）- 带头发起Chinese (Traditional): 帶頭開始（行動）- 帶頭發起Hindi: शुरुआत करना - पहल करना (मुहावरा)Arabic: يبدأ (المبادرة) - يطلق (التعبير)Bengali: শুরু করা - উদ্যোগ নেওয়াRussian: запустить процесс - начать делоJapanese: 口火を切る - きっかけを作るVietnamese: bắt đầu - khởi xướngKorean: 시작하다 - 물꼬를 트다Turkish: ilk adımı atmak - süreci başlatmakUrdu: آغاز کرنا - پہل کرناIndonesian: memulai - memulai langkah pertama
Example Sentences
Let me start the ball rolling by sharing my idea.
basic
Who wants to start the ball rolling in today's meeting?
basic
I'll start the ball rolling with a question.
basic
Someone’s got to start the ball rolling, so here’s my suggestion.
natural
Once you start the ball rolling, the rest will follow easily.
natural
It’s always hard to start the ball rolling on a new project, but someone has to do it.
natural