Mastering idioms is crucial for achieving fluency and understanding nuanced communication in English. This article focuses specifically on idioms related to “starting something,” providing you with the tools to express the commencement of activities, projects, relationships, and more in a vivid and engaging way.
Whether you’re an ESL learner, a student preparing for an exam, or simply someone looking to enrich their vocabulary, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently use these idioms in your everyday conversations and writing.
Idioms add color and depth to language, allowing you to convey meaning beyond the literal interpretation of words. By exploring idioms for “starting something,” we delve into the dynamic nature of beginnings and the various ways they can be expressed.
Let’s embark on this journey together and unlock the power of idiomatic expressions!
Table of Contents
- Definition of Idioms for Starting Something
- Structural Breakdown of Idioms
- Types and Categories of Starting Idioms
- Examples of Idioms for Starting Something
- Usage Rules for Starting Idioms
- Common Mistakes with Starting Idioms
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Idiomatic Usage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Idioms for Starting Something
An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words. Idioms function as single units of meaning, often conveying a specific cultural or contextual understanding.
Idioms for “starting something” are those that describe the act of initiating, commencing, or beginning an activity, project, relationship, or any other endeavor. These idioms add color and nuance to your language, making your communication more engaging and expressive.
These idioms are typically classified as phrasal verbs (e.g., kick off, get going) or fixed expressions (e.g., get the ball rolling, start from scratch). Their function is to provide a more vivid or concise way to describe the beginning of something than simply using the word “start” or “begin.” The context in which they are used is crucial, as the same idiom can have different meanings in different situations. For example, “kick off” can refer to starting a meeting or a football game.
Structural Breakdown of Idioms
Idioms, unlike regular phrases, have a fixed structure. You cannot usually change the words or their order without altering or destroying the meaning.
Understanding the structural elements of idioms helps in recognizing and using them correctly.
Many idioms for starting something are phrasal verbs, which consist of a verb and a particle (usually a preposition or adverb). The particle changes the meaning of the verb.
For example, “start up” means to begin operating (a machine or a business), while “start over” means to begin again from the beginning. Other idioms are fixed expressions, meaning they are set phrases that must be used exactly as they are.
Examples include “get the ball rolling” and “lay the foundation.”
The grammatical structure of idioms can be varied. Some are simple verb phrases, while others involve nouns, adjectives, or even clauses.
However, the key is that the entire phrase functions as a single semantic unit. Trying to analyze the individual words will not lead to the correct understanding of the idiom’s meaning.
For instance, in the idiom “break the ice,” you wouldn’t literally be breaking ice; instead, you’re easing tension or making people feel more comfortable at the beginning of an interaction.
Types and Categories of Starting Idioms
Idioms for starting something can be categorized based on the type of action or situation they describe. Here are some common categories:
- Taking Action: These idioms describe the general act of beginning or initiating something.
- Initiating Projects: These idioms refer specifically to starting a task, plan, or endeavor.
- Beginning Relationships: These idioms describe the commencement of personal or professional connections.
- Starting Discussions: These idioms relate to initiating conversations or debates.
- Forming Habits: These idioms describe the beginning of a regular behavior or routine.
Understanding these categories helps in choosing the most appropriate idiom for a given context. Each category has its own nuances and connotations, so selecting the right idiom can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.
Examples of Idioms for Starting Something
Below are examples of idioms for starting something, organized by category. Each table contains numerous examples to help you grasp the meaning and usage of each idiom.
Taking Action
This section focuses on idioms that describe the general act of beginning or initiating something, without specifying the type of action. These idioms are versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get going | To start moving or doing something. | We need to get going if we want to catch the early train. |
| Get started | To begin doing something. | Let’s get started on the project right away. |
| Kick off | To begin or start something, often a meeting or event. | The meeting will kick off at 9 AM sharp. |
| Embark on | To begin a journey or undertaking. | They decided to embark on a new adventure. |
| Set about | To start doing something in a determined or organized way. | She set about cleaning the house with enthusiasm. |
| Launch into | To start something with great enthusiasm. | He launched into a detailed explanation of his plans. |
| Set forth | To begin a journey or task. | They set forth on their mission early in the morning. |
| Take off | To start quickly or suddenly. | The business took off after the new marketing campaign. |
| Jump-start | To give a boost to start something. | The new investment will jump-start the local economy. |
| Get the ball rolling | To start something happening. | Let’s get the ball rolling by brainstorming some ideas. |
| Fire away | To start asking questions or speaking freely. | Okay, I’m ready, fire away with your questions. |
| Lead off | To begin or start something, especially a meeting or presentation. | I’d like to lead off with a brief introduction. |
| Get underway | To begin or start. | The project is finally getting underway. |
| Get cracking | To start working hard or quickly. | We need to get cracking if we want to meet the deadline. |
| Get the show on the road | To begin a journey or activity. | Alright everyone, let’s get the show on the road! |
| Break ground | To begin construction or a new project. | The company will break ground on the new factory next month. |
| Spring into action | To start doing something quickly and energetically. | The rescue team sprang into action as soon as they arrived. |
| Get off the ground | To start successfully. | It took a while, but the business finally got off the ground. |
| Get something off the ground | To start something successfully. | It was difficult to get the project off the ground, but we managed it. |
| Start the ball rolling | To start something happening. | I’ll start the ball rolling with a few suggestions. |
| Set the stage | To prepare for something to begin or happen. | This meeting will set the stage for future negotiations. |
| Light a fire under something | To motivate someone to start doing something. | We need to light a fire under the sales team to improve performance. |
| Start the engine | To begin or activate something. | Let’s start the engine and get going! |
| Wind up | To start something, especially an engine. | He wound up the old clock. |
Initiating Projects
This section contains idioms that specifically refer to starting a project, task, or endeavor. These idioms often emphasize planning, preparation, and the initial steps involved in beginning a complex undertaking.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get down to business | To start doing something seriously and purposefully. | Alright team, let’s get down to business and discuss the agenda. |
| Lay the foundation | To establish a basis for future development. | We need to lay the foundation for a strong partnership. |
| Start from scratch | To begin something anew, from the very beginning. | The project was a complete failure, so we had to start from scratch. |
| Build from the ground up | To create something starting with nothing. | He built his company from the ground up through hard work and dedication. |
| Take the first step | To begin a process or undertaking. | You need to take the first step to achieve your goals. |
| Make a start | To begin doing something. | Let’s make a start on the report before lunch. |
| Set in motion | To cause something to begin or happen. | The new policy set in motion a series of changes. |
| Get the show on the road | To begin a project or activity. | With all the preparations done, it’s time to get the show on the road. |
| Get the wheels turning | To start a process or project. | We need to get the wheels turning on this new initiative. |
| Get one’s teeth into | To start dealing with something with great energy and enthusiasm. | She got her teeth into the new project immediately. |
| Turn over a new leaf | To start behaving in a better way. | He decided to turn over a new leaf and quit smoking. |
| Blaze a trail | To start doing something that has never been done before. | The company is blazing a trail in renewable energy. |
| Open the door to | To start or allow something to happen. | The new agreement will open the door to more international collaboration. |
| Pave the way | To prepare for something to happen. | Her research paved the way for new discoveries. |
| Lay the groundwork | To prepare the basis for something. | We need to lay the groundwork for a successful campaign. |
| Get off to a flying start | To start something very successfully. | The campaign got off to a flying start. |
| Put one’s shoulder to the wheel | To start working hard on something. | If we all put our shoulder to the wheel, we can finish the project on time. |
| Set the wheels in motion | To start a process or project. | Let’s set the wheels in motion for our fundraising efforts. |
| Take the plunge | To decide to do something important or risky. | After months of consideration, he decided to take the plunge and start his own business. |
| Get the show on the road | To begin a project or activity. | With all the preparations done, it’s time to get the show on the road. |
| Get your feet wet | To start doing something new and unfamiliar. | I decided to get my feet wet in the stock market. |
| Get a head start | To start before others. | He got a head start by studying during the summer. |
| Get your ducks in a row | To get everything organized before starting something. | We need to get our ducks in a row before launching the new product. |
Beginning Relationships
This section focuses on idioms that describe the start of relationships, whether personal or professional. These idioms often involve establishing connections, building rapport, and initiating interactions.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Break the ice | To make people feel more comfortable at the beginning of an interaction. | He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting. |
| Get acquainted | To get to know someone. | Let’s get acquainted before we start working together. |
| Strike up a conversation | To start a conversation with someone. | She struck up a conversation with the woman next to her on the plane. |
| Hit it off | To immediately like someone and form a connection. | They hit it off at the party and talked for hours. |
| Lay the groundwork | To establish a basis for a relationship. | We need to lay the groundwork for a strong partnership with the new client. |
| Start off on the right foot | To begin a relationship or endeavor in a positive way. | It’s important to start off on the right foot with your new boss. |
| Reach out | To make an initial contact with someone. | I decided to reach out to him and introduce myself. |
| Open doors | To create opportunities for relationships or advancement. | Networking can open doors to new career opportunities. |
| Make inroads | To begin to have an effect or make progress. | The company is starting to make inroads into the Asian market. |
| Build bridges | To improve relationships between people or groups. | The ambassador worked hard to build bridges between the two countries. |
| Start a fire | To ignite passion or enthusiasm in a relationship. | His words started a fire in her heart. |
| Make contact | To initiate communication. | I will make contact with the supplier tomorrow. |
| Extend a hand | To offer help or friendship. | He decided to extend a hand to the struggling artist. |
| Form an alliance | To create a partnership for mutual benefit. | The two companies decided to form an alliance. |
| Establish rapport | To build a friendly and harmonious relationship. | It’s important to establish rapport with your clients. |
| Put out feelers | To make informal inquiries to gauge interest or possibilities. | They put out feelers to see if anyone was interested in the project. |
| Lay the foundation for | To set the basis for a relationship or project. | We need to lay the foundation for a successful partnership. |
| Communicate openly | To start a relationship or project with open communication. | We need to communicate openly from the start to ensure a successful collaboration. |
| Get to know one another | To begin understanding each other better. | The team members used the first few meetings to get to know one another. |
| Connect on a personal level | To establish a deeper, more meaningful relationship. | It’s important to connect on a personal level with your colleagues. |
| Engage with | To start interacting or participating in a meaningful way. | We encourage everyone to engage with the community initiatives. |
Starting Discussions
This section includes idioms that describe the act of initiating a conversation, debate, or discussion. These idioms often involve introducing a topic, raising a question, or presenting an argument.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Open the floor | To allow others to speak or ask questions. | I’ll now open the floor for questions. |
| Bring up | To introduce a topic for discussion. | He decided to bring up the issue of salary during the meeting. |
| Broach the subject | To introduce a sensitive or difficult topic. | She was hesitant to broach the subject of his performance. |
| Start the ball rolling | To begin a discussion or process. | I’ll start the ball rolling with a few introductory remarks. |
| Get the conversation going | To initiate a discussion. | Let’s get the conversation going by sharing our initial thoughts. |
| Set the stage | To provide context or background for a discussion. | I’d like to set the stage by giving a brief overview of the project. |
| Raise the issue | To bring a problem or concern to someone’s attention. | He decided to raise the issue of workplace safety. |
| Address the elephant in the room | To discuss an obvious problem that everyone is aware of but avoiding. | It’s time to address the elephant in the room and talk about the budget cuts. |
| Open up a can of worms | To create a complicated or problematic situation by starting a discussion. | Bringing up that topic might open up a can of worms. |
| Take up the matter | To begin discussing or dealing with a particular issue. | The committee will take up the matter at their next meeting. |
| Get down to brass tacks | To start talking about the most important or practical details. | Let’s get down to brass tacks and discuss the budget. |
| Air one’s views | To express one’s opinions or thoughts. | Everyone had a chance to air their views on the matter. |
| Open up a dialogue | To start a conversation or exchange of ideas. | We hope to open up a dialogue between the two communities. |
| Bring to the table | To introduce or contribute something to a discussion. | What ideas can you bring to the table? |
| Kick off a discussion | To start a discussion. | Let’s kick off a discussion about the new marketing strategy. |
| Set the ball in motion | To start a process or discussion. | The manager decided to set the ball in motion with a general announcement. |
| Put something on the table | To introduce an idea or proposal for discussion. | I’d like to put something on the table for consideration. |
| Launch a debate | To initiate a formal discussion on a particular topic. | The article launched a debate about the ethics of AI. |
| Prompt a conversation | To encourage or stimulate a discussion. | The documentary prompted a conversation about climate change. |
| Begin to discuss | To start talking about a subject. | We need to begin to discuss our plans for the next quarter. |
| Initiate a discourse | To formally begin a conversation or debate. | The professor initiated a discourse on the impact of social media. |
Forming Habits
This section contains idioms that describe the beginning of a regular behavior or routine, often emphasizing the initial effort required to establish a new habit.
| Idiom | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get into the habit of | To start doing something regularly. | Try to get into the habit of exercising every day. |
| Fall into a routine | To begin doing things in a fixed and regular way. | After a few weeks, she fell into a routine of waking up early and going for a run. |
| Take up | To start doing something regularly as a hobby or habit. | He decided to take up painting in his free time. |
| Form a habit | To develop a regular pattern of behavior. | It takes time to form a habit, so be patient. |
| Kick-start a habit | To give a boost to start a new habit. | A fitness app can kick-start a habit of regular exercise. |
| Embark on a regimen | To begin a structured and disciplined routine. | She decided to embark on a regimen of healthy eating and exercise. |
| Start a new chapter | To begin a new phase or period in one’s life or routine. | Moving to a new city was like starting a new chapter. |
| Get on board with | To start participating in or supporting something. | It’s time to get on board with a healthier lifestyle. |
| Incorporate into one’s life | To integrate something into one’s daily habits. | He tried to incorporate meditation into his life. |
| Get in the swing of things | To become accustomed to a new routine or activity. | It took a few weeks to get in the swing of things at the new job. |
| Initiate a practice | To begin a regular activity or exercise. | She decided to initiate a practice of daily journaling. |
| Start afresh | To begin again in a new way. | He decided to start afresh with his fitness goals. |
| Make a commitment to | To dedicate oneself to starting a new habit. | She made a commitment to read every day. |
| Cultivate a routine | To develop a regular and beneficial habit. | He worked hard to cultivate a routine of early morning exercise. |
| Set a precedent | To establish a pattern or example for future behavior. | By arriving on time every day, she set a precedent for punctuality. |
| Devote oneself to | To dedicate time and energy to starting a new habit. | He decided to devote himself to learning a new language. |
| Get into the groove | To become comfortable and efficient in a new routine. | It took a while, but she finally got into the groove of her new job. |
| Establish a pattern | To create a regular and consistent behavior. | It’s important to establish a pattern of good study habits. |
| Begin a tradition | To start a practice that is passed down through generations. | They decided to begin a tradition of family game night. |
| Lay the foundation for a habit | To set the initial steps to creating a new habit. | Consistency is key to laying the foundation for a habit. |
Usage Rules for Starting Idioms
Using idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meanings and contexts. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
- Context is crucial: The meaning of an idiom can change depending on the situation. Always consider the context before using an idiom.
- Fixed structure: Idioms usually have a fixed structure and cannot be altered without changing their meaning.
- Audience awareness: Be mindful of your audience. Some idioms may not be familiar to non-native speakers or people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Formality: Some idioms are more informal than others. Choose idioms that are appropriate for the formality of the situation.
- Avoid overusing: While idioms can add color to your language, overusing them can make your communication sound unnatural or forced.
It is also important to be aware of any regional variations in idiom usage. Some idioms may be more common in certain parts of the English-speaking world than others.
Listening to native speakers and reading widely can help you develop a better understanding of these nuances.
Common Mistakes with Starting Idioms
Using idioms incorrectly can lead to confusion or miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Literal interpretation: Interpreting an idiom literally instead of understanding its figurative meaning.
- Incorrect word order: Changing the order of words in an idiom, which can alter or destroy its meaning.
- Substituting words: Replacing words in an idiom with synonyms, which can also change its meaning.
- Using the wrong idiom: Choosing an idiom that is not appropriate for the context or situation.
- Overusing idioms: Using too many idioms in a short space, making the language sound unnatural.
Here are some examples of incorrect and correct usage:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Let’s roll the ball. | Let’s get the ball rolling. | The idiom is “get the ball rolling,” not “roll the ball.” |
| Start from zero. | Start from scratch. | The idiom is “start from scratch,” not “start from zero.” |
| Break the ice cream. | Break the ice. | The idiom is “break the ice,” not “break the ice cream.” |
| Get down to iron tacks. | Get down to brass tacks. | The idiom is “get down to brass tacks,” not “get down to iron tacks.” |
| Take the first foot. | Take the first step. | The idiom is “take the first step,” not “take the first foot.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of idioms for starting something with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom from the list below.
(kick off, get the ball rolling, get down to business, break the ice, start from scratch, get going)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. We need to __________ if we want to be on time. | get going |
| 2. Let’s __________ and discuss the agenda for today’s meeting. | get down to business |
| 3. The conference will __________ with a keynote speech from the CEO. | kick off |
| 4. I told a joke to __________ at the beginning of the presentation. | break the ice |
| 5. The project failed, so we had to __________ and rebuild it. | start from scratch |
| 6. I’ll __________ with a brief introduction to the topic. | get the ball rolling |
| 7. It’s time to _________ and get this project completed! | get going |
| 8. To _________, let’s introduce ourselves and share our expectations for this workshop. | break the ice |
| 9. After many revisions, we decided to _________ and rewrite the entire report. | start from scratch |
| 10. The seminar will _________ with an opening address by the guest speaker. | kick off |
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct idiom to complete the sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Let’s __________ on this new project. | (a) get started (b) get stopped (c) get finished | (a) get started | |
| 2. The company __________ a new marketing campaign. | (a) launched into (b) launched out (c) launched over | (a) launched into | |
| 3. We need to __________ for a strong partnership. | (a) lay the foundation (b) lay the roof (c) lay the wall | (a) lay the foundation | |
| 4. He decided to __________ and start exercising regularly. | (a) turn over a new page (b) turn over a new leaf (c) turn over a new tree | (b) turn over a new leaf | |
| 5. The new policy __________ a series of changes. | (a) set in motion (b) set in still (c) set in park | (a) set in motion | |
| 6. To begin our discussion, let’s ___________ and share our initial thoughts. | (a) Get the conversation stopping (b) Get the conversation going (c) Get the conversation slowing | (b) Get the conversation going | |
| 7. They decided to ___________ painting as a new hobby. | (a) Take up (b) Take down (c) Take over | (a) Take up | |
| 8. We need to ___________ to ensure we meet the deadline. | (a) Get cracking (b) Get fixing (c) Get sticking | (a) Get cracking |
Advanced Topics in Idiomatic Usage
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of idiomatic usage can further enhance their communication skills. Here are some advanced topics to explore:
- Idiomatic variation: Idioms can vary slightly in different regions or dialects. Being aware of these variations can help you understand and communicate more effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Idiomatic creativity: While idioms generally have a fixed structure, skilled speakers and writers can sometimes creatively adapt them to create new meanings or effects.
- Idiomatic translation: Translating idioms from one language to another can be challenging, as the literal translation often does not convey the intended meaning. Understanding the cultural context and finding equivalent idioms in the target language is crucial.
- Idiomatic register: Different idioms are appropriate for different levels of formality. Choosing the right idiom for the situation can enhance your credibility and rapport with your audience.
- Idiomatic awareness: Developing an awareness of idioms in different contexts can help you understand and appreciate the richness and diversity of the English language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an idiom and a proverb?
An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of the words, while a proverb is a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
How can I learn more idioms?
Read widely, listen to native speakers, and use online resources and idiom dictionaries. Practice using new idioms in your own speech and writing.
Is it okay to use idioms in formal writing?
It depends on the idiom and the context. Some idioms are appropriate for formal writing, while others are more informal.
Consider your audience and the purpose of your writing.
How can I avoid misusing idioms?
Pay attention to the context, understand the meaning of the idiom, and practice using it correctly. If you’re unsure, consult a dictionary or ask a native speaker.
Are idioms universal?
No, idioms are often culture-specific and may not have direct equivalents in other languages. Understanding the cultural context is important for interpreting and translating idioms.
Conclusion
Mastering idioms for starting something can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and expressively in English. By understanding the definition, structural breakdown, types, and usage rules of these idioms, you can confidently incorporate them into your everyday conversations and writing. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to context, and be mindful of your audience. With dedication and effort, you can unlock the power of idiomatic expressions and elevate your language skills to new heights. So, go ahead and get the ball rolling and start using these idioms today!
