Starting something new can feel like a leap into the unknown, filled with excitement, uncertainty, and a mix of emotions. Whether you’re beginning a new project, embarking on a fresh journey, or simply looking for the right words to express the start of something meaningful, idioms can offer that extra touch of warmth and care.
These expressions not only convey your intentions, but they also help you communicate with clarity, energy, and even a little bit of humor. In this article, we’ll explore 30 idioms for starting something that will help you express yourself thoughtfully and with confidence.
1. A Fresh Start
Meaning: To begin something anew with a clean slate.
- In a sentence: After the move, I felt like I was getting a fresh start in life.
- Best use: When beginning a new chapter or making changes in your life.
- Not use: Don’t use this when you are continuing something without a change.
- Other ways to say: A clean break, starting over, a new beginning.
2. Break New Ground
Meaning: To do something innovative or different from what’s been done before.
- In a sentence: The company’s new project will break new ground in the tech industry.
- Best use: When introducing new ideas or pioneering something.
- Not use: Avoid this when talking about ordinary, repetitive tasks.
- Other ways to say: Pave the way, innovate, lead the charge.
3. Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: To start a task or project with energy and enthusiasm.
- In a sentence: When I started my new job, I made sure to hit the ground running.
- Best use: When you need to begin something with urgency and full engagement.
- Not use: Don’t use this for a slow, gradual beginning.
- Other ways to say: Start with full speed, dive right in, hit the ground at full pace.
4. The Ball is in Your Court
Meaning: It’s your turn to take action or make a decision.
- In a sentence: After the proposal, the ball is in your court to decide what happens next.
- Best use: When you’ve taken action, and now it’s time for someone else to respond.
- Not use: Don’t use this when it’s clear that no one has acted yet.
- Other ways to say: The next move is yours, your turn, over to you.
5. Take the First Step
Meaning: To begin something, often requiring courage or initiative.
- In a sentence: If you want to change careers, you need to take the first step and start looking for opportunities.
- Best use: When beginning something new but not knowing where it will lead.
- Not use: Don’t use when you’re already in the middle of something.
- Other ways to say: Make the first move, start off, initiate action.
6. Get the Show on the Road
Meaning: To begin something or make progress.
- In a sentence: Now that we have everything we need, let’s get the show on the road!
- Best use: When you are ready to begin a project after some preparation.
- Not use: Don’t use this in situations where there are still significant delays.
- Other ways to say: Begin the process, start the journey, kick things off.
7. A Leap of Faith
Meaning: To take a risk or make a decision without being certain of the outcome.
- In a sentence: Starting my own business felt like a leap of faith, but I trusted myself.
- Best use: When beginning something risky or uncertain.
- Not use: Don’t use it for things you know will succeed.
- Other ways to say: Take a risk, go for it, trust the process.
8. In the Beginning
Meaning: Referring to the start of something, often a process or journey.
- In a sentence: In the beginning, it was difficult, but it got easier over time.
- Best use: When reflecting on the early stages of something.
- Not use: Don’t use when you’re describing the middle or end stages.
- Other ways to say: At the start, initially, in the early days.
9. Turn Over a New Leaf
Meaning: To change your behavior or start fresh.
- In a sentence: After the breakup, I decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on my growth.
- Best use: When you’re committed to self-improvement or change.
- Not use: Don’t use if you’re not serious about the change.
- Other ways to say: Start afresh, change your ways, reinvent yourself.
10. Set the Stage
Meaning: To prepare for something to happen, creating the right environment.
- In a sentence: The meeting will set the stage for our future discussions on the project.
- Best use: When preparing or laying the groundwork for an event or task.
- Not use: Avoid using it when you’re already in the middle of the process.
- Other ways to say: Prepare the ground, lay the foundation, get ready.
11. Kick Things Off
Meaning: To begin or start something, often with energy.
- In a sentence: Let’s kick things off with a quick introduction before the main event.
- Best use: When starting an event or gathering.
- Not use: Don’t use if you’re in the middle of something.
- Other ways to say: Begin, start the ball rolling, launch.
12. Open a New Chapter
Meaning: To begin a new phase in life or a new part of a process.
- In a sentence: This new role feels like opening a new chapter in my career.
- Best use: When you’re starting a significant, new phase.
- Not use: Don’t use when it’s just a minor change.
- Other ways to say: Start a new journey, turn the page, begin anew.
13. Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: To start something, especially a project or process.
- In a sentence: Let’s get the ball rolling on the project by assigning tasks.
- Best use: When you want to begin something and make progress.
- Not use: Don’t use it if you’re stuck in planning stages.
- Other ways to say: Start the process, set things in motion, initiate.
14. Jumpstart
Meaning: To begin something with energy or quickly.
- In a sentence: We need to jumpstart the project to meet the deadline.
- Best use: When you need to kick off something quickly or with a burst of energy.
- Not use: Don’t use for something that is proceeding slowly but steadily.
- Other ways to say: Rev up, get going, start with momentum.
15. Break the Ice
Meaning: To do something to relieve tension or start a conversation or event.
- In a sentence: A fun icebreaker can help break the ice and make everyone feel more comfortable.
- Best use: When starting social events or introductions.
- Not use: Don’t use it when you’re not interacting with others.
- Other ways to say: Start the conversation, ease into, initiate.
16. Launch into
Meaning: To begin something energetically or with focus.
- In a sentence: She will launch into the new project with enthusiasm.
- Best use: When starting something with excitement or energy.
- Not use: Avoid using it for lackluster beginnings.
- Other ways to say: Dive into, start with gusto, embark on.
17. Get Underway
Meaning: To begin or start something, especially a process or event.
- In a sentence: We’re ready to get underway with the meeting now that everyone is here.
- Best use: When something has been prepared and is now beginning.
- Not use: Don’t use it for a disorganized start.
- Other ways to say: Start, begin, get going.
18. Start from Scratch
Meaning: To begin from the very beginning, often without any resources or prior work.
- In a sentence: After the company shut down, we had to start from scratch with a new business plan.
- Best use: When you’re building something from the ground up.
- Not use: Don’t use it for projects that have some prior work.
- Other ways to say: Begin anew, start fresh, build from the ground up.
19. Set Things in Motion
Meaning: To begin a process or activity.
- In a sentence: Let’s set things in motion by assigning the first task.
- Best use: When starting a task or project and getting it moving.
- Not use: Don’t use it for things that are already in progress.
- Other ways to say: Start, initiate, set the wheels turning.
20. Embark on
Meaning: To start something significant, often a journey or adventure.
- In a sentence: They decided to embark on a journey to find new opportunities.
- Best use: When beginning something exciting or important.
- Not use: Don’t use for mundane or small tasks.
- Other ways to say: Begin, start, set off.
21. Light the Fire
Meaning: To start something with enthusiasm or passion.
- In a sentence: His speech lit the fire in everyone to start working on the project.
- Best use: When inspiring action and energy.
- Not use: Don’t use for low-energy starts.
- Other ways to say: Ignite the spark, inspire, get fired up.
22. Set the Wheels in Motion
Meaning: To begin a process or project.
- In a sentence: We have everything we need to set the wheels in motion now.
- Best use: When you’re ready to start moving forward.
- Not use: Don’t use if the process hasn’t even started yet.
- Other ways to say: Set in motion, begin, initiate.
23. Make a Start
Meaning: To begin something, often with intention.
- In a sentence: Let’s make a start on the new proposal.
- Best use: When you want to begin something with purpose.
- Not use: Don’t use if the task has already started.
- Other ways to say: Begin, kick off, start.
24. On the Horizon
Meaning: Something is about to happen or be achieved soon.
- In a sentence: With new projects on the horizon, we need to prepare for change.
- Best use: When something important is beginning soon.
- Not use: Don’t use when the event is not near.
- Other ways to say: Near, approaching, forthcoming.
25. Make Waves
Meaning: To create a noticeable impact or effect.
- In a sentence: The new product is sure to make waves in the industry.
- Best use: When starting something impactful or revolutionary.
- Not use: Don’t use for something insignificant.
- Other ways to say: Cause a stir, make an impact, create a splash.
26. Get the Show on the Road
Meaning: To begin something or make progress.
- In a sentence: Now that we have the team, let’s get the show on the road.
- Best use: When you are ready to start and move forward.
- Not use: Don’t use it when preparation is still in progress.
- Other ways to say: Get going, begin, start the process.
27. Rise to the Occasion
Meaning: To meet a challenge and begin with determination.
- In a sentence: She really rose to the occasion when we started the project together.
- Best use: When facing challenges and taking on new tasks.
- Not use: Avoid it if no challenge is involved.
- Other ways to say: Step up, meet the challenge, take it on.
28. Off to a Good Start
Meaning: To begin something in a successful or positive way.
- In a sentence: Our team is off to a good start with the new campaign.
- Best use: When you’re making progress or beginning well.
- Not use: Don’t use if there are major setbacks early on.
- Other ways to say: Start strong, on the right track, beginning well.
29. Take the Plunge
Meaning: To take a risk and commit to starting something.
- In a sentence: Deciding to take the plunge into freelancing was a big step for me.
- Best use: When starting something bold or risky.
- Not use: Don’t use when the action is easy or low-risk.
- Other ways to say: Go for it, take a chance, dive in.
30. Kickstart
Meaning: To begin or restart something with energy.
- In a sentence: We need to kickstart our sales strategy to meet the end-of-year goals.
- Best use: When you need to restart something with extra effort or motivation.
- Not use: Don’t use for things that are proceeding without interruption.
- Other ways to say: Revive, energize, restart.
FAQs
1. How can I use idioms effectively in my writing? Using idioms can make your writing more colorful and engaging, but be mindful to choose those that suit the tone and context. Avoid overuse.
2. Are idioms suitable for professional writing? Yes, idioms can be effective in professional settings, especially when you want to express energy, creativity, or leadership.
3. Can idioms be overused? Yes, using too many idioms can clutter your writing. It’s best to use them sparingly and thoughtfully to ensure they enhance rather than detract from your message.
4. Why should I use idioms in conversations? Idioms can help you connect with others more naturally by expressing emotions, humor, and thoughts in a familiar and relatable way.
5. How do I know which idioms to choose? Pick idioms that resonate with the situation or emotion you want to convey. Consider the tone, the audience, and the context before incorporating them.
Conclusion
Starting something new, whether big or small, can feel both thrilling and daunting. By using the right idioms, you can express your thoughts with warmth, clarity, and care, creating deeper connections with those around you. Remember, the goal is not only to begin something but to do so in a way that reflects your excitement and intention. Choose your idioms wisely, and they can help you convey your message beautifully, no matter what you’re starting.
