Idioms for starting something are fun phrases that mean something different from the literal words inside them. People use them every day to make their speaking and writing more colorful and exciting. In this lesson, we will learn wonderful expressions related to starting something.
In this lesson, we’ll look at Idioms that mean beginning a project, taking your first steps, or launching a new activity. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Starting Something
1. Break the ice
Meaning: Doing or saying something to remove tension and start a conversation.
For Example: I told a funny joke to break the ice with the new kids in our class. / Playing a name game helped break the ice at the start of our club meeting.
Other Ways to Say: Start talking / Ease tension
2. Hit the ground running
Meaning: Starting a new task or project with high energy and immediate speed.
For Example: When the school year began, our soccer team was ready to hit the ground running. / She read the rules quickly so she could hit the ground running on the project.
Other Ways to Say: Start fast / Begin eagerly
3. Get the ball rolling
Meaning: Starting an activity or project so that things finally begin to happen.
For Example: Dad suggested we start cleaning up the yard to get the ball rolling. / I raised my hand first to get the ball rolling during our class discussion.
Other Ways to Say: Start things / Begin action
4. Jump-start
Meaning: Giving a sudden burst of energy to start a slow or stuck project.
For Example: Eating a healthy breakfast can jump-start your morning energy levels. / We needed a fun game to jump-start our afternoon art club session.
Other Ways to Say: Spark energy / Kick off
5. Kick off
Meaning: Formally beginning an event, game, or celebration.
For Example: The principal gave a short speech to kick off our annual school field day. / We ate cupcakes to kick off my birthday party.
Other Ways to Say: Start event / Begin celebration
6. Set the wheels in motion
Meaning: Starting a series of actions that will make a plan happen.
For Example: Submitting our application set the wheels in motion for the class trip. / Ordering the art supplies set the wheels in motion for our mural.
Other Ways to Say: Begin plan / Start process
7. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: Making a fresh start by changing your behavior for the better.
For Example: After forgetting my homework twice, I decided to turn over a new leaf. / He wanted to turn over a new leaf and practice piano every single day.
Other Ways to Say: Fresh start / Begin anew
8. Dive right in
Meaning: Starting an activity eagerly and without hesitation.
For Example: When the paint supplies arrived, we decided to dive right in and create art. / Don’t be afraid to dive right in when learning a new game.
Other Ways to Say: Jump in / Start eagerly
9. Get off the ground
Meaning: Successfully launching a new project or idea so it starts working.
For Example: It took weeks of planning to get our school recycling club off the ground. / The new playground project finally got off the ground this spring.
Other Ways to Say: Launch successfully / Begin working
10. Start from scratch
Meaning: Beginning a project completely from the very beginning with nothing done.
For Example: My paper tower fell over, so I had to start from scratch. / When the recipe failed, we had to start from scratch with new ingredients.
Other Ways to Say: Start over / Begin fresh
11. Lay the groundwork
Meaning: Doing the initial preparation work before starting a big project.
For Example: We had to read several library books to lay the groundwork for our report. / Cleaning the table helped lay the groundwork for our puzzle building.
Other Ways to Say: Prepare early / Set foundation
12. Open the floodgates
Meaning: Starting something that leads to a massive, unstoppable flow of results.
For Example: Answering one riddle correctly seemed to open the floodgates for more ideas. / Asking the first question opened the floodgates for a long discussion.
Other Ways to Say: Release flow / Start rush
13. Put your best foot forward
Meaning: Starting an endeavor with a positive attitude and your highest effort.
For Example: Make sure you put your best foot forward during your first piano recital. / The team wanted to put their best foot forward in the opening match.
Other Ways to Say: Try your best / Start strong
14. Clear the decks
Meaning: Getting rid of distractions to prepare for starting urgent work.
For Example: I packed away my toys to clear the decks for my homework. / We organized our desks to clear the decks before the art lesson.
Other Ways to Say: Prepare space / Remove clutter
15. Make a flying start
Meaning: Beginning a race or project with rapid and successful speed.
For Example: Our relay team made a flying start when the whistle blew. / She made a flying start on her math worksheet by solving five problems instantly.
Other Ways to Say: Fast start / Quick beginning
16. Get your feet wet
Meaning: Trying out a new activity gently for the very first time.
For Example: Swimming in the shallow pool helped me get my feet wet before diving. / Doing a small art project helped me get my feet wet in painting.
Other Ways to Say: Try it out / First steps
17. Plant the seeds
Meaning: Starting small actions today that will grow into big results later.
For Example: Studying a little bit every night helps plant the seeds for good grades. / Saving small coins helps plant the seeds for future savings.
Other Ways to Say: Begin early / Start growth
18. Sound the starting gun
Meaning: Giving the official signal for an activity or race to begin.
For Example: The referee raised his hand to sound the starting gun for the track race. / The bell rang to sound the starting gun for our group project.
Other Ways to Say: Begin race / Signal start
19. Fire the starting pistol
Meaning: Triggering the official beginning of a competition or event.
For Example: The coach was ready to fire the starting pistol for the relay. / Opening the front gates helped fire the starting pistol for our festival.
Other Ways to Say: Start signal / Begin contest
20. Launch out
Meaning: Starting a new journey, adventure, or project with excitement.
For Example: We packed our backpacks ready to launch out on the hiking trail. / The club members were eager to launch out on their recycling drive.
Other Ways to Say: Set forth / Begin journey
21. Take the plunge
Meaning: Finally making a brave decision to start something challenging.
For Example: I was nervous about joining the school play, but I decided to take the plunge. / She hesitated at first, then decided to take the plunge into painting.
Other Ways to Say: Dive in / Start bravely
22. Break ground
Meaning: Starting construction work on a brand new building or project site.
For Example: The town gathered to break ground for the new community library. / Workers brought shovels to break ground on the school garden.
Other Ways to Say: Start building / Begin construction
23. Open a new chapter
Meaning: Starting a fresh and exciting period in your life.
For Example: Starting middle school felt like opening a new chapter of adventures. / Moving to a new town meant opening a new chapter for our family.
Other Ways to Say: Fresh start / New beginning
24. Turn the page
Meaning: Leaving the past behind to start a fresh phase of life.
For Example: After the difficult test week was over, we were ready to turn the page. / He wanted to turn the page and try out for the basketball team.
Other Ways to Say: Move on / Start fresh
25. Put your shoulder to the wheel
Meaning: Starting hard work with determination and strong effort.
For Example: We all had to put our shoulder to the wheel to finish cleaning the clubhouse. / The whole class put their shoulder to the wheel for the science fair.
Other Ways to Say: Work hard / Pitch in
26. Get cracking
Meaning: Starting a task immediately without wasting any precious time.
For Example: Dad told us to get cracking on our bedroom chores before dinner. / We needed to get cracking if we wanted to finish the puzzle by noon.
Other Ways to Say: Hurry up / Start now
27. Start the ball rolling
Meaning: Initiating a process so that things keep moving forward smoothly.
For Example: I volunteered to read the first page to start the ball rolling. / Mom baked cookies to start the ball rolling for our bake sale.
Other Ways to Say: Begin action / Get things going
28. Take the first step
Meaning: Beginning a long journey or difficult task with one action.
For Example: Writing the title on your paper is the hardest part, but it takes the first step. / Walking out the front door is how you take the first step on a hike.
Other Ways to Say: Begin journey / Start out
29. Forge ahead
Meaning: Starting forward with strong energy despite any minor worries.
For Example: Even though the puzzle was tricky, we decided to forge ahead. / The explorers packed their gear and began to forge ahead.
Other Ways to Say: Push forward / Advance bravely
30. Step up to the plate
Meaning: Taking responsibility and starting a challenge when it is your turn.
For Example: When our group needed a leader, she decided to step up to the plate. / It is time to step up to the plate and finish your chores.
Other Ways to Say: Take action / Accept challenge
31. Strike the match
Meaning: Starting a spark of inspiration or beginning a fiery project.
For Example: Hearing the guest speaker helped strike the match for my interest in science. / That fun art lesson helped strike the match for my creativity.
Other Ways to Say: Ignite idea / Start spark
32. Push off
Meaning: Starting a boat journey or beginning to move forward on a path.
For Example: We untied the canoe from the dock and got ready to push off. / The kayakers waved goodbye and began to push off into the lake.
Other Ways to Say: Depart / Start moving
33. Set sail
Meaning: Starting a voyage or beginning a brand new adventure.
For Example: The model ships were built and ready to set sail across the pond. / Our family packed our suitcases, eager to set sail on vacation.
Other Ways to Say: Begin voyage / Start trip
34. Raise the curtain
Meaning: Formally starting a show, performance, or major public event.
For Example: The stage lights brightened to raise the curtain on our school play. / We cheered as the event organizers prepared to raise the curtain.
Other Ways to Say: Start show / Begin performance
35. Strike up the band
Meaning: Starting music to signal the beginning of a festive celebration.
For Example: The parade organizers shouted to strike up the band as floats rolled by. / We clapped our hands when the musicians began to strike up the band.
Other Ways to Say: Start music / Begin celebration
36. Open the ball
Meaning: Starting a formal event, dance, or large gathering.
For Example: The principal was invited to open the ball at our school dance. / We selected our favorite song to open the ball for party games.
Other Ways to Say: Start event / Begin dance
37. Go at it hammer and tongs
Meaning: Starting a task with fierce energy and total enthusiasm.
For Example: When building the Lego castle, we went at it hammer and tongs. / The cleaning crew went at it hammer and tongs to finish early.
Other Ways to Say: Work fiercely / Start intensely
38. Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: Confronting a difficult situation directly by starting right away.
For Example: Instead of avoiding the tricky math homework, I decided to take the bull by the horns. / She took the bull by the horns and organized our messy desk.
Other Ways to Say: Face directly / Start boldly
39. Jump in with both feet
Meaning: Committing fully and starting a new activity without hesitation.
For Example: When learning to swim, my brother decided to jump in with both feet. / She didn’t hesitate to jump in with both feet for the art club.
Other Ways to Say: Commit fully / Start boldly
40. Start with a clean slate
Meaning: Beginning an activity with no past mistakes holding you back.
For Example: The teacher gave us all a clean chalkboard to start with a clean slate. / Turning in my homework let me start with a clean slate today.
Other Ways to Say: Fresh start / Clean beginning
41. Plant your flag
Meaning: Marking the beginning of your ownership or presence in a new place.
For Example: We built our blanket fort and felt ready to plant our flag in the living room. / The explorers reached the hilltop and decided to plant their flag.
Other Ways to Say: Claim space / Start presence
42. Drop the flag
Meaning: Signaling the immediate start of a race or contest.
For Example: The race official raised his hand to drop the flag for the runners. / We waited eagerly for the referee to drop the flag.
Other Ways to Say: Start race / Begin signal
43. Raise the curtain on action
Meaning: Triggering the exciting beginning of a dynamic project.
For Example: The opening bell helped raise the curtain on action in the hallway. / We clapped to raise the curtain on action for our science fair.
Other Ways to Say: Start action / Begin event
44. Hit the ground sprinting
Meaning: Beginning a task with maximum speed and immediate energy.
For Example: The experienced runners were ready to hit the ground sprinting. / She practiced her lines so she could hit the ground sprinting on stage.
Other Ways to Say: Sprint start / Fast beginning
45. Open the gates
Meaning: Allowing a rush of activity or people to start entering.
For Example: The ticket takers prepared to open the gates for the school carnival. / Turning on the hose helped open the gates for our water games.
Other Ways to Say: Let loose / Start entry
46. Unfurl the sails
Meaning: Preparing a boat or a project to start moving forward.
For Example: The sailors worked together to unfurl the sails for the wind race. / We opened our art palettes to unfurl the sails of creativity.
Other Ways to Say: Start voyage / Prepare action
47. Sound the trumpet
Meaning: Announcing the official start of something important or grand.
For Example: The herald stepped forward to sound the trumpet for the festival. / Winning the award felt like someone sounded the trumpet for my success.
Other Ways to Say: Announce start / Proclaim beginning
48. Light the fuse
Meaning: Starting a chain reaction that gets a big project moving quickly.
For Example: Solving the first puzzle clue helped light the fuse for our scavenger hunt. / Her funny story helped light the fuse for our laughter.
Other Ways to Say: Spark action / Trigger start
49. Strike the spark
Meaning: Starting a small creative idea that grows into a big project.
For Example: Reading that adventure book helped strike the spark for my own story. / Finding the old paintbrush helped strike the spark for art class.
Other Ways to Say: Spark creativity / Begin idea
50. Break the seal
Meaning: Opening or using something new for the very first time.
For Example: I got to break the seal on our brand new box of colored pencils. / We were excited to break the seal on the puzzle game.
Other Ways to Say: Open first / Use new item
51. Set the stage
Meaning: Preparing the environment so that a major event can begin safely.
For Example: Cleaning the living room helped set the stage for our family movie night. / Gathering our notes helped set the stage for the group report.
Other Ways to Say: Prepare area / Set foundation
52. Pull back the curtain
Meaning: Revealing something new and starting a behind-the-scenes look.
For Example: The tour guide was ready to pull back the curtain on the theater museum. / The teacher helped pull back the curtain on how electricity works.
Other Ways to Say: Reveal start / Show beginning
53. Push the button
Meaning: Triggering the mechanical or formal start of an operation.
For Example: I was chosen to push the button to start our classroom science fountain. / The engineer got ready to push the button for the model launch.
Other Ways to Say: Trigger start / Activate machine
54. Crank it up
Meaning: Increasing energy and enthusiasm to get a party or project started.
For Example: We turned on upbeat music to crank it up for our room cleanup. / The DJ played a fun song to crank it up at the dance.
Other Ways to Say: Boost energy / Start loud
55. Jump in the deep end
Meaning: Starting a challenging new task without any prior practice.
For Example: Taking the advanced art class meant I had to jump in the deep end. / Learning to code on day one felt like jumping in the deep end.
Other Ways to Say: Start hard / Dive fully
56. Hit the start button
Meaning: Activating a game, device, or project from its beginning.
For Example: We plugged in the console and rushed to hit the start button. / The team gathered around the computer to hit the start button on the presentation.
Other Ways to Say: Activate / Begin game
57. Throw open the doors
Meaning: Welcoming participants and officially starting a public event.
For Example: The museum volunteers were ready to throw open the doors for visitors. / We rushed to throw open the doors of our clubhouse for club day.
Other Ways to Say: Welcome in / Start event
58. Unleash the hounds
Meaning: A dramatic way of saying you are starting a fast activity or race.
For Example: The gym teacher shouted to unleash the hounds when tag began. / We opened the playground gate to unleash the hounds of recess energy.
Other Ways to Say: Start fast / Release energy
59. First bell ringing
Meaning: The classic school sound signaling the start of the morning.
For Example: We hurried across the courtyard upon hearing the first bell ringing. / The morning began with the first bell ringing for homeroom.
Other Ways to Say: Morning start / School beginning
60. Ultimate kickoff
Meaning: The grandest and most exciting beginning of an amazing event.
For Example: The fireworks display served as the ultimate kickoff for our summer festival. / Winning the opening match was the ultimate kickoff for our season.
Other Ways to Say: Grand start / Ultimate beginning
Exercise to Practice
- I told a funny joke to ________ with the new kids in our class.
- When the school year began, our soccer team was ready to ________.
- Dad suggested we start cleaning up the yard to ________.
- Eating a healthy breakfast can ________ your morning energy levels.
- The principal gave a short speech to ________ our annual school field day.
- Submitting our application set the ________ in motion for the class trip.
- After forgetting my homework twice, I decided to ________.
- When the paint supplies arrived, we decided to ________ and create art.
- It took weeks of planning to get our school recycling club ________.
- My paper tower fell over, so I had to ________.
- We had to read several library books to ________ for our report.
- Asking the first question opened the ________ for a long discussion.
- Make sure you ________ during your first piano recital.
- I packed away my toys to ________ for my homework.
- Our relay team made a ________ when the whistle blew.
Answer Key
- break the ice
- hit the ground running
- get the ball rolling
- jump-start
- kick off
- wheels
- turn over a new leaf
- dive right in
- off the ground
- start from scratch
- lay the groundwork
- floodgates
- put your best foot forward
- clear the decks
- flying start
Conclusion
Learning these idioms about starting something makes your everyday writing and speaking much more interesting and fun. Instead of using plain words, these expressions help you paint a colorful picture in the listener’s mind.
Try using a few of these fun phrases when you talk with your friends or write stories this week. You will notice how much more exciting your conversations become!
