under way

American  

adjective

1. Also (of a ship) no longer in port, at anchor, etc.; moving.

2. no longer at rest, stationary, etc.; in motion; traveling.

   We'll put our bags in the car and be under way.

3. proceeding; in progress.

   Plans are under way to sell the company.

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under way British  

adjective

1. in progress; in operation

   the show was under way

2. nautical in motion

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under way Idioms  

1. In motion, as in The ship got under way at noon . [c. 1930]

2. Already started, in progress, as in Plans are under way to expand . [c. 1930]

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Example Sentences

Harbour Energy said a reduction of "approximately 100 offshore roles" was expected following a consultation period, which is now under way.

From BBC

A prop axe was brought in as crew members set the scene for a horror movie being filmed in Budapest's former psychiatric institute, one of numerous Hollywood productions under way in the Hungarian capital.

From Barron's

A search is under way for a British man who fell overboard from a cruise ship off the coast of Tenerife.

From BBC

Hollywood stars are preparing to attend one ceremony after another, as the film awards season gets fully under way.

From BBC

Negotiations are under way to ensure safe passage for dozens of Hamas fighters holed up in tunnels in a southern Gaza area under Israeli control, multiple sources close to the talks told AFP.

From Barron's