Starting something new—whether it’s a project, a relationship, or even just a small daily task—often comes with excitement, hesitation, or nervous energy.
That’s where idioms come in. Idioms are phrases with figurative meanings, not literal ones, and they bring color and life to our language. Instead of saying “I started my project,” you could say “I got the ball rolling.” Doesn’t that sound more lively and expressive?
Using idioms for starting something is especially useful in English because they capture both the action of beginning and the feeling behind it—confidence, motivation, or even nervous anticipation.
These expressions are commonly used in everyday conversations, workplaces, motivational talks, and even in literature.
If you want to sound more natural, fluent, and confident in English, learning idioms for starting something is a fantastic way to enrich your vocabulary.
Did You Know?
The phrase “to break the ice” originally came from ships navigating frozen waters. Small ships would break the ice so larger trade ships could pass through. Over time, it turned into an idiom for making the first move in social situations or beginning something new.
Idioms for Starting Something
Below, you’ll find 47 idioms divided into helpful groups. Each idiom includes meaning, example, a similar expression, and a short reflection on where it’s usually used.
Idioms About Taking the First Step
Break the Ice
Meaning: To start a conversation or activity in a friendly way.
Example: She told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Similar Idiom: Open the conversation.
Reflection: Often used in social or formal gatherings.
Take the First Step
Meaning: To begin something new or challenging.
Example: If you want success, you must take the first step.
Similar Idiom: Make a start.
Reflection: Common in motivational or professional contexts.
Make the First Move
Meaning: To act before anyone else does.
Example: He made the first move to fix their friendship.
Similar Idiom: Take initiative.
Reflection: Used in business, sports, or relationships.
Step Into the Breach
Meaning: To take action when no one else does.
Example: When the leader resigned, she stepped into the breach.
Similar Idiom: Rise to the occasion.
Reflection: Often formal or professional.
Put the Wheels in Motion
Meaning: To start a process.
Example: The manager put the wheels in motion for the new project.
Similar Idiom: Set the ball rolling.
Reflection: Business or project-related contexts.
Idioms About Getting Things Moving
Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: To begin an activity or project.
Example: Let’s get the ball rolling on the marketing campaign.
Similar Idiom: Kick things off.
Reflection: Informal and professional.
Kick Things Off
Meaning: To start something in an energetic way.
Example: The teacher kicked things off with a fun quiz.
Similar Idiom: Start the show.
Reflection: Works well for events and meetings.
Fire the Starting Gun
Meaning: To officially start something.
Example: The CEO fired the starting gun on the new product launch.
Similar Idiom: Green light.
Reflection: Formal or motivational tone.
Get Off the Ground
Meaning: To start successfully.
Example: Her business idea finally got off the ground.
Similar Idiom: Take off.
Reflection: Often business-related.
Jump-Start
Meaning: To give extra energy to begin quickly.
Example: Coffee jump-started my morning work.
Similar Idiom: Spark into action.
Reflection: Informal, casual conversations.
Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: To start something energetically and effectively.
Example: The new manager hit the ground running on her first day.
Similar Idiom: Start strong.
Reflection: Workplace and motivational contexts.
Strike While the Iron Is Hot
Meaning: To act quickly at the right time.
Example: He invested in stocks, striking while the iron was hot.
Similar Idiom: Seize the moment.
Reflection: Both formal and informal use.
Plant the Seed
Meaning: To start an idea or action that grows later.
Example: She planted the seed for a community project.
Similar Idiom: Lay the groundwork.
Reflection: Creative or inspirational settings.
Idioms About Courage and Initiative
Jump In With Both Feet
Meaning: To start enthusiastically without hesitation.
Example: He jumped in with both feet to learn coding.
Similar Idiom: Dive right in.
Reflection: Informal, casual motivation.
Bite the Bullet
Meaning: To face a challenge and begin despite fear.
Example: She bit the bullet and started her presentation.
Similar Idiom: Face the music.
Reflection: Used in motivational or stressful contexts.
Throw Your Hat in the Ring
Meaning: To show readiness to take part.
Example: She threw her hat in the ring for the election.
Similar Idiom: Enter the race.
Reflection: Common in politics or competitions.
Take the Plunge
Meaning: To decide to do something big or risky.
Example: He finally took the plunge and moved abroad.
Similar Idiom: Dive in.
Reflection: Used for life decisions.
Blaze a Trail
Meaning: To start something new that others will follow.
Example: She blazed a trail in women’s sports.
Similar Idiom: Lead the way.
Reflection: Often inspirational.
Get Your Feet Wet
Meaning: To try something new for the first time.
Example: He got his feet wet by volunteering.
Similar Idiom: Test the waters.
Reflection: Informal and casual.
Start From Scratch
Meaning: To begin something without any preparation.
Example: They built their company from scratch.
Similar Idiom: Begin anew.
Reflection: Used in both formal and informal settings.
Dip Your Toe In the Water
Meaning: To try something cautiously.
Example: She dipped her toe in the water by attending one class.
Similar Idiom: Test the waters.
Reflection: Informal, gentle usage.
Open a New Chapter
Meaning: To begin a fresh phase in life.
Example: Moving to another city was opening a new chapter for him.
Similar Idiom: Turn over a new leaf.
Reflection: Personal or life-related contexts.
Idioms About Preparation and Readiness
Lay the Groundwork
Meaning: To prepare the basics for something to begin.
Example: The teacher laid the groundwork for the project.
Similar Idiom: Build the foundation.
Reflection: Often professional.
Set the Stage
Meaning: To prepare conditions for something to happen.
Example: The research set the stage for new discoveries.
Similar Idiom: Pave the way.
Reflection: Academic or professional tone.
Pave the Way
Meaning: To make progress easier for what comes next.
Example: His work paved the way for future studies.
Similar Idiom: Clear the path.
Reflection: Formal and motivational.
Turn Over a New Leaf
Meaning: To start fresh with new habits or behavior.
Example: He turned over a new leaf after graduation.
Similar Idiom: Begin anew.
Reflection: Personal growth or self-improvement.
Call to Action
Meaning: A strong message urging people to begin.
Example: The speech ended with a call to action.
Similar Idiom: Rally cry.
Reflection: Formal and motivational.
Green Light
Meaning: Approval to start.
Example: The team got the green light for the project.
Similar Idiom: Go ahead.
Reflection: Business and formal settings.
Spark Something
Meaning: To trigger or begin quickly.
Example: His words sparked an idea.
Similar Idiom: Ignite.
Reflection: Informal and inspirational.
Build From the Ground Up
Meaning: To begin and create something entirely new.
Example: They built their company from the ground up.
Similar Idiom: Start from scratch.
Reflection: Professional and entrepreneurial contexts.
Light the Fuse
Meaning: To trigger the start of something big.
Example: The campaign lit the fuse for social change.
Similar Idiom: Ignite the spark.
Reflection: Motivational and inspirational.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- Speaking: Use idioms like break the ice or kick things off in conversations to sound natural.
- Writing: In essays or reports, phrases like set the stage or pave the way make your writing richer.
- Professional Usage: At work, idioms such as get the ball rolling or green light add energy to meetings and presentations.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Literal misunderstanding:
❌ He literally jumped in with both feet at the pool.
✅ He jumped in with both feet when he started his new job. - Mixing idioms incorrectly:
❌ She got the ball flying.
✅ She got the ball rolling. - Overusing idioms:
❌ I kicked things off, hit the ground running, and planted seeds all in one sentence.
✅ Choose one idiom at a time for clarity.
FAQs
1. Why are idioms important in English?
Idioms make your speech natural and expressive. They add cultural flavor to language.
2. Can idioms be used in formal writing?
Yes, but carefully. Idioms like set the stage or pave the way are acceptable in essays or professional reports.
3. How can I remember idioms more easily?
Use them in real-life conversations. Connect them to personal experiences.
4. Do native speakers use idioms often?
Absolutely. Idioms are common in daily speech, workplace talks, and even casual chats.
5. Are idioms the same worldwide?
No, idioms are often culture-specific, but many English idioms are widely recognized.
Conclusion
Starting something new always comes with both excitement and uncertainty. Using idioms for starting something not only makes your English lively but also helps you capture those emotions perfectly.
From getting the ball rolling to turning over a new leaf, these expressions can enrich your vocabulary and confidence. So next time you begin a task, conversation, or adventure, try slipping in one of these idioms—you’ll not only sound fluent but also connect better with your audience.
