get off the ground

Idioms  

1. Make a start, get underway, as in Because of legal difficulties, the construction project never got off the ground. This expression, alluding to flight, dates from the mid-1900s. The similar-sounding get off to a flying start, meaning “make a successful start,” alludes not to flight but to a quick start in a race, a usage from the late 1800s. For example, He's off to a flying start with his dissertation.

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Example Sentences

Vice President JD Vance opened the meeting, noting that consistent investment in critical mineral industries is “nearly impossible” with erratic pricing, driven by foreign supplies flooding markets before new projects can get off the ground.

From Barron's

“It wasn’t the easiest film to get off the ground.”

From Los Angeles Times

The backyard BUDs shot up just as cable and satellite programming was just getting off the ground.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s safe to say it didn’t get off the ground, although Fairyland today does house donkeys, goats, chickens and bearded dragons, among other animals, for children to meet.

From Los Angeles Times

Those who have long waited for such a league to get off the ground in Europe could be forgiven for being measured in their anticipation until the first ball is bowled.

From BBC