get the ball rolling

Idioms and Phrases

Also, keep the ball rolling . Start an undertaking; also, keep an undertaking from flagging. For example, Let's get the ball rolling by putting up some posters , or The hostess kept the ball rolling, talking to each of the guests in turn . This expression originated in one or another sport in which it was important to keep a ball moving. [ Colloquial ; late 1700s] Also see get the show on the road .