Starting something new—whether it’s a project, a habit, or a dream—can feel exciting and sometimes a little scary. But using the right words can make it feel easier and even fun! In this article, I’m sharing 21 idioms for starting something that are simple to read and easy to use. These expressions are perfect for anyone who wants to talk about beginnings with warmth and encouragement.
From my own experience, I know that beginnings are special. Every time I start something, I remind myself that the first step is always the most important. Let’s explore these helpful idioms together!
1. Get the ball rolling
Meaning:
To start something.
In a sentence:
Let’s get the ball rolling on our group project.
Best use:
When you want to begin quickly.
Other ways to say:
- Start now
- Begin the task
2. Kick things off
Meaning:
To begin an event or activity.
In a sentence:
We’ll kick things off with a fun game.
Best use:
When starting meetings or parties.
Other ways to say:
- Start up
- Begin
3. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning:
To start fresh or change your ways.
In a sentence:
This year, I’m turning over a new leaf by eating healthier.
Best use:
For new habits or changes.
Other ways to say:
- Make a fresh start
- Begin again
4. Hit the ground running
Meaning:
To start something with lots of energy.
In a sentence:
She hit the ground running on her first day of work.
Best use:
When you’re excited to begin.
Other ways to say:
- Start strong
- Go full speed
5. Get off on the right foot
Meaning:
To start something in a good way.
In a sentence:
We want to get off on the right foot with our new teacher.
Best use:
When making first impressions.
Other ways to say:
- Begin well
- Start nicely
6. Break new ground
Meaning:
To do something new and exciting.
In a sentence:
This invention really breaks new ground.
Best use:
When starting something original.
Other ways to say:
- Try something new
- Create something fresh
7. Start from scratch
Meaning:
To begin with nothing.
In a sentence:
We lost our work and had to start from scratch.
Best use:
When rebuilding or beginning again.
Other ways to say:
- Begin again
- Build from zero
8. Open a new chapter
Meaning:
To begin a new part of your life.
In a sentence:
Moving to a new city is opening a new chapter.
Best use:
For life changes.
Other ways to say:
- Begin fresh
- Start a new journey
9. Light a fire under someone
Meaning:
To motivate someone to start.
In a sentence:
Her speech really lit a fire under us.
Best use:
When helping someone get moving.
Other ways to say:
- Get inspired
- Push forward
10. Make a fresh start
Meaning:
To begin again, leaving the past behind.
In a sentence:
After the mistake, I made a fresh start.
Best use:
For second chances.
Other ways to say:
- Start over
- Begin new
11. Take the plunge
Meaning:
To bravely start something big.
In a sentence:
I finally took the plunge and started my own business.
Best use:
When doing something scary or exciting.
Other ways to say:
- Go for it
- Take a big step
12. Jump-start
Meaning:
To give something a fast beginning.
In a sentence:
A good breakfast jump-starts my day.
Best use:
For fast or strong beginnings.
Other ways to say:
- Boost
- Start quickly
13. Take the first step
Meaning:
To begin by doing something small.
In a sentence:
The first step to success is believing in yourself.
Best use:
For gentle encouragement.
Other ways to say:
- Get started
- Begin slowly
14. Begin a journey
Meaning:
To start something big in life.
In a sentence:
Graduation is the beginning of a new journey.
Best use:
For meaningful starts.
Other ways to say:
- Start an adventure
- Begin a path
15. Get cracking
Meaning:
To start working right away.
In a sentence:
We better get cracking on our homework.
Best use:
When you need to hurry.
Other ways to say:
- Start quickly
- Get going
16. Break the ice
Meaning:
To start a conversation or activity.
In a sentence:
We played a game to break the ice.
Best use:
When meeting new people.
Other ways to say:
- Get comfortable
- Start talking
17. Start the ball rolling
Meaning:
To begin something and get others involved.
In a sentence:
She started the ball rolling with her ideas.
Best use:
For group work.
Other ways to say:
- Begin
- Kick things off
18. Begin at square one
Meaning:
To start over completely.
In a sentence:
We made mistakes and had to begin at square one.
Best use:
When restarting.
Other ways to say:
- Go back to the beginning
- Start fresh
19. Take off
Meaning:
To start and grow quickly.
In a sentence:
Her new blog really took off!
Best use:
For success stories.
Other ways to say:
- Grow fast
- Begin strongly
20. Get underway
Meaning:
To start moving forward.
In a sentence:
The concert finally got underway.
Best use:
For events.
Other ways to say:
- Begin
- Start happening
21. Hit the reset button
Meaning:
To start fresh by changing things up.
In a sentence:
I hit the reset button on my morning routine.
Best use:
When changing old ways.
Other ways to say:
- Start over
- Refresh
Conclusion
These 21 idioms for starting something can make new beginnings feel exciting and positive. No matter what you’re starting—big or small—these friendly phrases remind us that beginnings are brave and beautiful. Use them to encourage yourself and others as you take that first important step.
