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What does “get the ball rolling” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
To start something happening or moving forward
“Let's get the ball rolling on the new project.”
From the B2 lesson Cutting to the Chase (workplace idioms).
C1
To start something moving or happening
“Someone needs to send the first email to get the ball rolling.”
Say it smoothly: “ge-the-ball-rolling”
From the C1 lesson Making Plans (invitations and arranging).
Quick check
What does “get the ball rolling” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“get the ball rolling” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 3 (Money, Food, Work and Travel) and C1 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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