Idioms for Starting Something: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering idioms is crucial for achieving fluency and a deeper understanding of English. Idioms add color and nuance to our conversations and writing, making communication more engaging and effective.

This article focuses on idioms related to starting something, a fundamental concept that appears in various contexts, from initiating projects to embarking on new adventures. Understanding these idioms will not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your ability to comprehend and use English in a more natural and idiomatic way.

This guide is perfect for English language learners of all levels, from beginners looking to expand their knowledge to advanced speakers aiming to refine their communication skills.

This comprehensive guide will explore the definitions, structures, usages, and common mistakes associated with idioms for starting something. Through clear explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises, you will gain a solid grasp of these expressions and be able to confidently incorporate them into your everyday language.

Whether you’re preparing for an English exam, aiming to improve your professional communication, or simply seeking to enrich your linguistic repertoire, this article provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of Idioms for Starting Something
3. Structural Breakdown of Idioms
4. Types and Categories of Idioms for Starting Something
5. Examples of Idioms for Starting Something
   • Getting Started
   • Initiating Projects
   • Beginning Journeys
   • Launching Businesses
   • Starting Relationships
6. Usage Rules for Idioms
7. Common Mistakes with Idioms
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics: Nuances and Context
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
11. 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. Instead, it has a figurative meaning that is known through common usage. Idioms are an integral part of the English language and add richness and depth to communication. Idioms for “starting something” specifically refer to expressions that describe the commencement, initiation, or beginning of an action, project, journey, or relationship.

These idioms can be classified based on their function and the context in which they are used. For example, some idioms focus on the initial steps of a process, while others emphasize the energy and enthusiasm involved in beginning something new.

Understanding the nuances of these idioms allows for more precise and expressive communication. They often convey a sense of action, anticipation, or excitement associated with new beginnings.

The function of these idioms is to provide a more colorful and engaging way to describe the start of something. Instead of simply saying “begin” or “start,” idioms offer a range of alternatives that can convey different shades of meaning. The context in which these idioms are used is crucial for understanding their intended meaning. For instance, an idiom used in a business setting might not be appropriate for a casual conversation among friends. Therefore, understanding both the function and context is essential for using these idioms effectively.

Structural Breakdown of Idioms

Idioms, by their very nature, defy typical grammatical structures. They often combine words in ways that, if taken literally, would not make sense.

Understanding the structural elements of idioms involves recognizing that they function as single units of meaning, rather than as collections of individual words. The structure of idioms can vary widely, but some common patterns emerge.

Verb-based idioms often involve a verb combined with a preposition or adverb, such as “kick off” or “get off the ground.” The verb provides the core action, while the preposition or adverb modifies its meaning to create the idiomatic sense. Noun-based idioms can involve a noun phrase that represents a starting point or initial phase, such as “clean slate” or “the first step.” These idioms often function as metaphors, using concrete nouns to represent abstract concepts related to beginnings.

The key to understanding the structure of idioms is to recognize that the meaning is not compositional. In other words, you cannot simply add up the meanings of the individual words to arrive at the idiom’s meaning.

Instead, you must learn the idiom as a whole unit. For example, the idiom “hit the ground running” does not literally mean to strike the earth while running; it means to start something quickly and efficiently.

Understanding this non-compositional nature is crucial for mastering idioms.

Types and Categories of Idioms for Starting Something

Idioms for “starting something” can be categorized based on the specific context or type of beginning they describe. Here are some common categories:

1. Getting Started

These idioms refer to the initial steps or actions taken to begin a task or project. They often emphasize the effort and preparation involved in getting something underway.

2. Initiating Projects

These idioms focus on the commencement of projects, often highlighting the planning, organization, and resources required to launch a successful endeavor.

3. Beginning Journeys

These idioms describe the start of physical or metaphorical journeys, emphasizing the excitement, anticipation, and challenges associated with embarking on a new adventure.

4. Launching Businesses

These idioms pertain to the start of new businesses or ventures, often focusing on the risks, rewards, and strategies involved in creating a successful enterprise.

5. Starting Relationships

These idioms describe the beginning of personal or professional relationships, emphasizing the initial interactions, connections, and development of bonds between individuals.

Examples of Idioms for Starting Something

This section provides extensive examples of idioms for starting something, organized by category. Each category includes a table with numerous examples, along with explanations of their meanings and usage.

Getting Started

These idioms emphasize the initial actions and preparations required to begin a task or project. They often convey a sense of anticipation and the need for effort.

The following table includes 30 examples of idioms related to getting started, with explanations and example sentences. This list should provide a solid foundation for understanding and using these idioms in various contexts.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Get the ball rolling	To start something; to initiate action.	Let’s get the ball rolling on this project by assigning tasks.
Kick off	To begin; to start a process or event.	We’ll kick off the meeting with a brief introduction.
Get off the ground	To start successfully; to become operational.	It took a lot of effort, but the business finally got off the ground.
Get underway	To begin; to start moving or progressing.	The construction project will get underway next week.
Set the stage	To prepare for something; to create the conditions for something to happen.	The opening remarks set the stage for a productive discussion.
Lay the foundation	To establish a basis for future development.	We need to lay the foundation for a strong partnership.
Take the first step	To begin a process or journey.	Taking the first step is always the hardest part of starting a new exercise routine.
Break the ice	To ease tension or awkwardness at the start of a meeting or social gathering.	The facilitator used a fun activity to break the ice.
Start the ball rolling	Similar to “get the ball rolling,” meaning to initiate action.	To start the ball rolling, I’ll share my initial ideas.
Jump-start	To provide an initial boost or impetus to something.	The grant will jump-start the research project.
Get cracking	To start working hard on something.	We need to get cracking if we want to finish this by the deadline.
Get down to business	To start focusing on the important tasks.	Let’s get down to business and discuss the agenda.
Turn over a new leaf	To make a fresh start; to change one’s behavior for the better.	He decided to turn over a new leaf and quit smoking.
Begin from scratch	To start something completely from the beginning.	After the fire, they had to begin from scratch.
Start off on the right foot	To begin something in a positive way.	He wanted to start off on the right foot with his new boss.
Embark on	To begin a journey or project.	They are about to embark on a new adventure.
Set about	To begin or start doing something in a determined or organized way.	She set about cleaning the house.
Get moving	To start doing something actively; to stop delaying.	We need to get moving if we want to catch the train.
Set in motion	To start a process or series of events.	The new law set in motion a series of reforms.
Get the show on the road	To start an activity or event, often with a sense of urgency.	Alright everyone, let’s get the show on the road!
Fire away	To begin asking questions or giving instructions.	Okay, I’m ready, fire away with your questions.
Lead off	To begin or initiate something.	She will lead off the conference with a keynote speech.
Get a head start	To start something before others, gaining an advantage.	He got a head start by studying during the summer.
Take off	To start to be successful.	His career really took off after he published his book.
Get one’s feet wet	To begin or start doing something; to gain initial experience.	He is just getting his feet wet in the new department.
Make a start	To begin doing something.	Let’s make a start on the report.
Open the batting	To start something; to be the first to do something	He opened the batting by sharing his views on the matter.
Get something off the ground	To get something started and functioning.	They had a hard time getting the project off the ground.
Set forth	To start a journey or task.	They set forth on their adventure early in the morning.
Get a running start	To begin something with momentum or an advantage.	She got a running start by preparing in advance.

Initiating Projects

These idioms are used when starting projects, emphasizing planning, organization, and the resources needed for a successful launch. They often reflect the strategic aspects of beginning a new endeavor.

The table below provides 25 examples of idioms specifically related to initiating projects. Each idiom is accompanied by its meaning and an illustrative sentence to aid in comprehension and application.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Blue-sky thinking	Thinking without limits or constraints, often at the very start of a project.	We need some blue-sky thinking to come up with innovative solutions.
Draw up a blueprint	To create a detailed plan or design for a project.	The architects drew up a blueprint for the new building.
Map out	To plan or arrange something in detail.	We need to map out the project timeline before we begin.
Lay the groundwork	To prepare the necessary conditions or foundations for a project.	They laid the groundwork for the new initiative with extensive research.
Get the wheels in motion	To start the process of making something happen.	We need to get the wheels in motion to secure funding for the project.
Set the ball in motion	To initiate a series of events or actions related to a project.	The proposal set the ball in motion for the company’s expansion.
Get the show on the road	To start a project or event, often with a sense of urgency.	With the funding secured, let’s get the show on the road and start building.
Launch into	To begin something with enthusiasm and energy.	She launched into the project with great excitement.
Set in motion	To cause something to start happening or developing.	The new policy set in motion a series of changes in the organization.
Take the reins	To assume control or leadership of a project.	He took the reins of the project after the manager resigned.
Get the green light	To receive approval to start a project.	The project got the green light from the board of directors.
Start from the ground up	To build or create something from the beginning.	They decided to start the company from the ground up.
Take the plunge	To decide to do something important or risky, often after hesitating.	After much consideration, they decided to take the plunge and start their own business.
Get one’s teeth into	To start working on something with great enthusiasm and determination.	He was eager to get his teeth into the new project
Break ground	To begin construction or building.	They will break ground for the new hospital next month.
Come out of the gate strong	To start a project with a lot of energy and success.	The company came out of the gate strong with its new product launch.
Put one’s shoulder to the wheel	To begin working hard and diligently on a project.	Everyone needs to put their shoulder to the wheel if we want to meet the deadline.
Embark upon	To begin a project or journey.	The team is ready to embark upon the new marketing campaign.
Launch a campaign	To start a series of actions intended to achieve a specific goal.	The organization launched a campaign to raise awareness about climate change.
Set about doing something	To begin or start doing something in a determined or organized way.	She set about planning the conference.
Get off the mark	To start or begin doing something.	The team got off the mark with a successful pilot project.
Get the ball rolling on something	To start an activity or process.	Let’s get the ball rolling on the fundraising.
Start the process	To begin a series of actions to achieve a specific result.	We need to start the process of applying for permits.
Set in motion	To start something; to begin a process.	The new policy set in motion a series of changes.
Take off	To start to be successful.	The project really took off after the initial marketing push.

Beginning Journeys

These idioms describe the commencement of physical or metaphorical journeys. They often emphasize anticipation, excitement, and the inherent challenges of starting something new and unfamiliar.

Here is a table with 20 examples of idioms related to beginning journeys, complete with their meanings and example sentences for better understanding.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Hit the road	To begin a journey, usually by car.	We’re planning to hit the road early tomorrow morning.
Set sail	To begin a sea journey.	The ship will set sail at dawn.
Embark on	To begin a journey or adventure.	They are about to embark on a new chapter in their lives.
Take off	To begin a flight or a journey.	The plane will take off in a few minutes.
Set forth	To begin a journey.	They set forth on their quest to find the hidden treasure.
Go on the road	To begin a tour or series of travels.	The band will go on the road next month.
Head off	To start a journey or leave a place.	We should head off before it gets too late.
Start out	To begin a journey or a career.	He started out as a clerk and worked his way up to CEO.
Take to the road	To begin traveling, especially for work or pleasure.	Many truck drivers take to the road for long periods of time.
Leave the nest	To start living independently from one’s parents.	It was time for the young bird to leave the nest.
Get one’s marching orders	To receive instructions to begin a journey or task.	The soldiers got their marching orders and prepared to deploy.
Set out	To begin a journey with a specific purpose.	They set out to explore the unknown territories.
Blaze a trail	To be the first to do or discover something.	The scientist blazed a trail with his groundbreaking research.
Chart a course	To plan a route or strategy for a journey or project.	The company needs to chart a course for future growth.
Cross the Rubicon	To make a decision that cannot be undone, committing to a course of action.	By signing the contract, they crossed the Rubicon.
Go off the beaten path	To take an unconventional route or approach.	They decided to go off the beaten path and explore the remote villages.
Set one’s sights on	To aim for a particular goal or destination.	She set her sights on becoming a doctor.
Start from scratch	To begin a journey from the very beginning, often after failure.	After the setback, they had to start from scratch.
Set foot on	To enter or arrive in a place.	He was the first person to set foot on the moon.
Venture forth	To begin a journey with courage and determination.	They ventured forth into the unknown wilderness.

Launching Businesses

These idioms are particularly relevant when discussing the start of new businesses or ventures, often focusing on the inherent risks, potential rewards, and essential strategies involved in establishing a successful enterprise.

The subsequent table presents 20 idioms tailored for describing the launch of businesses, providing their meanings and contextual example sentences. This compilation is designed to enrich your vocabulary and enhance your communication skills in business-related scenarios.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Hang out one’s shingle	To start a business or professional practice.	After graduating, she decided to hang out her shingle as a lawyer.
Get a foot in the door	To gain initial entry into a business or organization.	He started as an intern to get a foot in the door at the company.
Go into business	To start a commercial enterprise.	They decided to go into business together.
Start up	To begin a new business.	He wants to start up his own tech company.
Take the plunge	To decide to do something important or risky, such as starting a business.	They finally decided to take the plunge and open their own restaurant.
Get off the ground	To start successfully; to become operational.	It took a lot of investment, but the business finally got off the ground.
Launch a venture	To start a new business or project.	They are planning to launch a venture in the renewable energy sector.
Set up shop	To establish a business or workplace.	They set up shop in the downtown area.
Get the ball rolling	To start a business or project.	Let’s get the ball rolling on the new marketing campaign.
Lay the foundation	To establish a solid basis for a business.	They laid the foundation for a successful company with careful planning.
Break into the market	To succeed in entering a new market or industry.	The company struggled to break into the market at first.
Start from scratch	To build a business from the beginning.	They had to start from scratch after the fire destroyed their factory.
Build an empire	To create a large and successful business.	He dreamed of building an empire in the technology industry.
Raise capital	To obtain funding to start or expand a business.	They needed to raise capital to launch their new product.
Go public	To offer shares of a company to the public for the first time.	The company plans to go public next year.
Get into the black	To become profitable after being in debt.	It took several years for the business to get into the black.
Turn a profit	To make more money than one spends.	The company managed to turn a profit in its first year.
Open the doors	To start a business and begin serving customers.	They are excited to open the doors to their new bakery.
Go live	To launch a website or online service.	The new website will go live next week.
Get the wheels turning	To start a business or project.	We need to get the wheels turning on this new initiative.

Starting Relationships

These idioms are used to describe the beginning of relationships, be they personal or professional, emphasizing the initial interactions, the development of bonds, and the establishment of connections between individuals.

Below is a table featuring 20 idioms related to starting relationships, along with their definitions and example sentences to illustrate their use in context. This information will help you understand and use these expressions accurately.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Break the ice	To ease tension or awkwardness at the start of a meeting or relationship.	He told a joke to break the ice at the party.
Hit it off	To get along well with someone from the first meeting.	They hit it off immediately and became good friends.
Strike up a conversation	To start talking to someone.	He decided to strike up a conversation with her at the coffee shop.
Get to know someone	To begin to learn about someone’s personality and life.	It takes time to get to know someone well.
Start off on the right foot	To begin a relationship or interaction in a positive way.	He wanted to start off on the right foot with his new colleagues.
Build bridges	To establish connections and understanding between people or groups.	The diplomat tried to build bridges between the two countries.
Reach out	To make an initial contact with someone.	She decided to reach out to him on social media.
Make contact	To get in touch with someone.	He tried to make contact with his former classmate.
Form a bond	To develop a close relationship.	They quickly formed a bond over their shared interests.
Lay the groundwork	To prepare the conditions for a relationship to develop.	They laid the groundwork for a strong partnership with open communication.
Click with someone	To have an instant connection with someone.	They clicked with each other from the moment they met.
Get acquainted	To become familiar with someone.	We need to get acquainted with the new team members.
Establish rapport	To create a friendly and harmonious relationship.	It’s important to establish rapport with clients.
Forge a connection	To create a strong and lasting relationship.	They forged a connection through their shared experiences.
Extend a hand	To offer help or friendship.	He decided to extend a hand to his new neighbor.
Open up	To become more willing to share one’s feelings and thoughts.	It takes time for people to open up in a new relationship.
Make overtures	To make friendly gestures or proposals.	She made overtures of friendship to the new student.
Get off on the wrong foot	To begin a relationship badly.	They accidentally got off on the wrong foot due to a misunderstanding.
Reach out across the aisle	To attempt to build relationships with people from opposing groups.	The politicians tried to reach out across the aisle to find common ground.
Lay the foundation for	To establish the basis for a relationship.	They laid the foundation for a strong friendship through honesty and trust.

Usage Rules for Idioms

Using idioms correctly requires an understanding of their specific meanings and contexts. While idioms add color and depth to language, incorrect usage can lead to confusion or miscommunication.

Here are some general rules to follow when using idioms:

1. Understand the meaning: Always ensure you fully understand the meaning of an idiom before using it. Look it up in a reliable dictionary or idiom dictionary if you are unsure.
2. Consider the context: Idioms are often context-dependent. Use them in situations where they are appropriate and relevant. Avoid using overly informal idioms in formal settings.
3. Use them sparingly: While idioms can enhance your language, overuse can make your speech sound unnatural or contrived. Use them judiciously and only when they add value to your communication.
4. Be aware of cultural differences: Idioms can be culturally specific. What is common in one culture may be unfamiliar or even offensive in another. Be mindful of your audience and their cultural background.
5. Avoid literal translations: Idioms should not be translated literally into other languages, as their meanings are often figurative and non-compositional.
6. Pay attention to grammar: While idioms themselves may defy typical grammatical structures, the surrounding sentences should still adhere to proper grammar rules.

Common Mistakes with Idioms

Many learners make common mistakes when using idioms. Here are some frequent errors and how to avoid them:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
“Let’s get the rock and rolling.”	“Let’s get the ball rolling.”	“Get the ball rolling” means to start something, not to literally move a rock.
“He kicked off the bucket.”	“He kicked the bucket.”	“Kicked the bucket” is the idiom for dying; the preposition “off” changes the meaning.
“They set sail to the journey.”	“They set sail on their journey.”	The correct preposition to use with “set sail” when referring to a journey is “on.”
“She is taking the plunge into business.”	“She is taking the plunge into business.”	This is already correct.
“We need to break the ice cream.”	“We need to break the ice.”	“Break the ice” means to ease tension, not to literally break ice cream.
“He got a foot in the door of the company.”	“He got a foot in the door at the company.”	The correct preposition to use with “get a foot in the door” when referring to a company is “at.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of idioms for starting something with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list provided.

Advanced Topics: Nuances and Context

Understanding the nuances and context of idioms is essential for advanced English learners. Idioms are not always interchangeable, and their suitability depends on the specific situation, tone, and audience.

Some idioms are more formal, while others are casual. Some are appropriate in business settings, while others are better suited for informal conversations.

For example, the idiom “get the ball rolling” is generally suitable for both formal and informal settings, as it is widely understood and not overly casual. However, an idiom like “get the show on the road” may be more appropriate in a less formal context, as it conveys a sense of urgency and informality.

Similarly, idioms related to starting relationships can vary in their level of intimacy and formality. “Break the ice” is a neutral idiom suitable for initial interactions, while “hit it off” implies a more immediate and positive connection.

Cultural context also plays a significant role in idiom usage. Some idioms may be more common or have different connotations in certain cultures.

For instance, an idiom that is widely used in American English may be less common or understood differently in British English. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of these cultural differences and to adapt your language accordingly.

Advanced learners should also pay attention to the emotional tone conveyed by idioms. Some idioms can express enthusiasm, excitement, or determination, while others may convey caution, hesitation, or uncertainty.

Choosing the right idiom can significantly impact the effectiveness of your communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Mastering idioms for starting something is a valuable skill for English language learners. By understanding the definitions, structures, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with these expressions, you can enhance your vocabulary, improve your communication skills, and achieve a deeper understanding of the English language.

This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of idioms related to beginnings, along with numerous examples and practical exercises to help you confidently incorporate them into your everyday language.

Remember to continue practicing and expanding your knowledge of idioms through reading, listening, and real-life conversations. As you become more familiar with these expressions, you will be able to use them more naturally and effectively, adding color and nuance to your communication.

Whether you’re starting a new project, embarking on a journey, launching a business, or building relationships, the idioms you’ve learned in this guide will help you express yourself with greater precision and flair. Keep exploring, keep learning, and enjoy the journey of mastering the English language!