Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

get going

Idioms  
  1. See get a move on .

  2. 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 .

  3. 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.

See Examples For:

"It's been something we've all been dreaming of for a long, long time, and we're all very excited to get going," Huggins added.

From BBC Aug. 25, 2026

But as things get going, it becomes painfully clear that’s Ullom’s point.

From Salon Aug. 24, 2026

As the cars prepared to get going again, Leclerc crashed at the same place in the same way even before the race had restarted.

From BBC Jun. 7, 2026

The elders knew: There is nothing like the vibe in New York City when the Knicks get going.

From The Wall Street Journal May 26, 2026

“We need to get going if we want to get to the border just after it.”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training