Get the ball rolling means starting something off by taking the first step: suggesting a date, asking the first question, sending the invitations. People say it when everyone is waiting for someone to begin: I'll get the ball rolling. Start the ball rolling and set the ball rolling mean the same.
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get the ball rolling on something; get the ball rolling by + -ing
- I will get the ball rolling by sharing the first photograph.
- A short meeting got the ball rolling on the neighbourhood garden project.
- Who wants to get the ball rolling with a question for the guest?
What changed
First versionLet's get the ball roll by choosing a date for the first meeting.
RevisionLet's get the ball rolling by choosing a date for the first meeting.
After let or make, the plain verb follows, as in let it roll, so roll looks right here too. But get + object takes the -ing form: get the ball rolling, like get the engine running. Add -ing, and the phrase is correct.
Keep the ball rolling means not letting something that has started slow down: The first meeting went well, let's keep the ball rolling. Get the ball rolling is only the start. Break the ice is about easing awkwardness between people, not about starting work.
Your turn
Use the phrase for starting an activity: We can get the ball ___ by making a list of volunteers.
Show the answer
rolling — After get the ball comes the -ing form: you set the ball in motion. Get the ball roll isn't English.
Suggest a first step for a shared project with coworkers or neighbours. Use get the ball rolling by and name the action.
Let's get the ball rolling by asking which evening works for the volunteers.
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