get going
Idioms-
See get a move on .
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get something going . Start something, get something into full swing. For example, Once we get production going we'll have no more problems . This usage also appears in when the going gets tough, the tough get going , meaning that difficulties spur on capable individuals; the first tough here means “difficult,” whereas the second means “strong-minded, resolute.” For example, That problem won't stop Tom; when the going gets tough, the tough get going . Also see swing into action .
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Make someone talkative or active, as in Once he got her going on her grandchildren, there was no stopping her . [ Colloquial ; late 1800s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
New Zealand took their time to get going, and Waaka's influence was key to making that step.
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2026
I blurted out: “Well, the dog is in the car, so I’ll get going now. But it was so nice to meet you.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026
"I can't wait to get going on the pitch and help the team move in the right direction."
From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026
But as things get going, it becomes painfully clear that’s Ullom’s point.
From Salon ● Aug. 24, 2026
We have only a month until the egg drop competition—less, if you consider the holidays—so we need to get going with testing our eggs.
From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
