35 Essential Idioms for Starting Something New

Hey there, language explorer! Have you ever felt that exciting buzz, that little spark, when you're about to embark on something new? Whether it's a fresh project, a new hobby, or even just a different way of thinking, starting something is a universal experience. And guess what? The English language is absolutely brimming with fantastic idioms to describe these very moments!

Idioms are those quirky, colorful phrases where the meaning isn't obvious from the individual words. They add so much flavor and depth to our conversations, and they're incredibly useful for painting vivid pictures with your words. So, if you're ready to sprinkle some linguistic magic into your vocabulary and truly master the art of talking about new beginnings, you've come to the right place! Get ready to discover 35 wonderful idioms that perfectly capture the essence of starting something. Let's dive in!

35 Brilliant Idioms for Starting Something

Think of these idioms as your linguistic toolkit for describing every kind of fresh start, from a gentle nudge to a full-blown leap!

Getting Things Underway

These idioms are perfect for when you're just kicking off an activity or project.

1. To get the ball rolling: This one's a classic! It means to start an activity or process. Imagine a game of bowling – someone has to push that first ball down the lane!
   • Example: "Let's get the ball rolling on this new marketing campaign."
2. To kick off: Similar to getting the ball rolling, this means to begin or launch something, often with enthusiasm. You hear it often in sports!
   • Example: "The conference will kick off with a keynote speech."
3. To set the wheels in motion: This idiom suggests initiating a process that will continue on its own. It's about putting the initial effort in to start a chain of events.
   • Example: "We need to set the wheels in motion for the annual charity event."
4. To break ground: This literally means to begin digging for construction, but idiomatically, it means to start something new and innovative, especially a project or idea.
   • Example: "The company is breaking ground on a revolutionary new software."
5. To get off the ground: This means to successfully start or launch something, often after some initial difficulty. It implies overcoming obstacles to begin.
   • Example: "It took a lot of effort, but the new business is finally getting off the ground."
6. To hit the ground running: This is about starting something new with great energy and immediate success, without needing much time to adjust.
   • Example: "She joined the team and hit the ground running, immediately contributing to projects."
7. To embark on: This one sounds a bit more formal, meaning to begin a journey or a significant undertaking. Think of setting sail on a grand adventure!
   • Example: "They decided to embark on a new career path."
8. To initiate: A straightforward way to say to begin or put into operation.
   • Example: "The school will initiate a new reading program next month."
9. To open the door to: This implies that one action or event creates an opportunity for something new to begin.
   • Example: "Her discovery could open the door to new medical treatments."
10. To pave the way for: To create the conditions or circumstances that make something else possible or easier to begin.
    • Example: "Early research helped pave the way for modern vaccine development."

Starting Fresh or Anew

These idioms focus on new beginnings, often after a previous phase has ended.

11. To turn over a new leaf: This lovely idiom means to make a fresh start, often by changing your behavior for the better. It's about leaving old habits behind.
    • Example: "After the incident, he decided to turn over a new leaf and focus on his studies."
12. To start with a clean slate: This means to begin again without any previous problems, mistakes, or records. It's a fresh start, free from past burdens.
    • Example: "Let's forget our disagreements and start with a clean slate."
13. To make a fresh start: A very direct way to say to begin again, often in a new place or situation.
    • Example: "Moving to a new city allowed her to make a fresh start."
14. To wipe the slate clean: Very similar to "start with a clean slate," this emphasizes removing all past errors or debts to begin anew.
    • Example: "The new management aimed to wipe the slate clean and rebuild trust."
15. To go back to the drawing board: This means to start over on a plan or idea because the previous attempt failed or was unsuccessful.
    • Example: "Our first design didn't work, so we had to go back to the drawing board."
16. To begin from scratch: To start something from the very beginning, without any prior work or preparation.
    • Example: "They had to begin from scratch after the fire destroyed their workshop."
17. To reinvent the wheel: While this often means to waste time by creating something that already exists, it can also imply starting from basic principles to create something truly innovative (though usually with a negative connotation if something similar already exists and works well).
    • Example: "We don't need to reinvent the wheel; let's use the existing framework."
18. To open a new chapter: This beautifully metaphorical idiom means beginning a new and significant period in one's life or in a larger narrative.
    • Example: "Getting married felt like opening a new chapter in their lives."
19. To usher in: To mark the beginning of something new, often something important or significant.
    • Example: "The new discovery could usher in a new era of medical research."

Taking the First Step

These idioms emphasize the initial action required to begin.

20. To take the plunge: This means to decide to do something difficult or risky, often after a period of hesitation. It's about committing to a big start.
    • Example: "After years of dreaming, she finally decided to take the plunge and start her own business."
21. To dip your toe in the water: This means to try something new cautiously, without fully committing to it yet. It's a tentative start.
    • Example: "Before investing heavily, I'm just going to dip my toe in the water with a small amount."
22. To get your foot in the door: This idiom means to gain an initial opportunity or position that could lead to something greater. It's about making that first small entry.
    • Example: "Working as an intern helped her get her foot in the door at the publishing house."
23. To lay the groundwork: To do the initial preparation or planning for something that will happen later. It's about building a solid foundation.
    • Example: "The research team is currently laying the groundwork for the next phase of the project."
24. To sow the seeds: To do something that will lead to a particular result or situation in the future. It's about planting the beginning of something.
    • Example: "His early efforts helped sow the seeds for a successful career."
25. To break the ice: To start a conversation or activity in a social situation, often to make people feel more comfortable.
    • Example: "The team leader used a fun game to break the ice at the workshop."
26. To test the waters: Similar to "dip your toe in the water," this means to try out a new situation or idea to see what the reaction will be before committing.
    • Example: "Before launching the full product, they decided to test the waters with a small pilot program."
27. To take the first step: A very literal and clear way to say to begin an action or process.
    • Example: "It's always hard to take the first step towards a big goal."

More Dynamic Beginnings

These idioms convey a sense of energy or distinctness in starting.

28. To blaze a trail: To be the first to do something, especially something new and difficult, thereby making it easier for others. It's about pioneering.
    • Example: "She blazed a trail for women in science."
29. To clear the decks: To prepare for a new activity by dealing with existing tasks or issues first. It's about getting ready for a fresh start by tidying up.
    • Example: "We need to clear the decks before we can start on the new initiative."
30. To jump the gun: To do something too soon, or before the appropriate time. While often negative, it still describes an early start.
    • Example: "He might have jumped the gun by announcing the project before it was fully approved."
31. To start from square one: To begin again from the very beginning, often because previous efforts have failed. Similar to "go back to the drawing board" but emphasizes the initial point.
    • Example: "After the system crashed, we had to start from square one."
32. To open the floodgates: To cause something to start happening in large quantities, often suddenly and uncontrollably.
    • Example: "The new policy could open the floodgates for more investment."
33. To get a head start: To begin before others, giving yourself an advantage.
    • Example: "If you finish your homework now, you'll get a head start on the weekend."
34. To draw a line in the sand: To establish a limit beyond which one will not go; it implies a definitive start to a new boundary or position.
    • Example: "The company needed to draw a line in the sand regarding employee conduct."
35. To spring into action: To suddenly and quickly begin to move or do something. It's a very active and immediate start.
    • Example: "As soon as the alarm sounded, the firefighters sprang into action."

Frequently Asked Questions About Idioms

You've got questions, and we've got answers! Let's clear up some common curiosities about these fascinating phrases.

What exactly is an idiom?

An idiom is a phrase or expression where the meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meaning of its individual words. For example, "kick the bucket" doesn't literally mean to kick a bucket; it means to die. They are a part of a language's culture and often reflect its history and way of thinking.

Why are idioms important to learn?

Learning idioms is super important for several reasons:

• Fluency: They make your English sound more natural and fluent, like a native speaker.
• Understanding: You'll be able to understand native speakers better, as idioms are used all the time in everyday conversation, movies, books, and TV shows.
• Richer Communication: Idioms add color, humor, and depth to your language, helping you express complex ideas concisely and creatively.
• Cultural Insight: They offer a window into the culture and history of the English-speaking world.

How can I best learn and remember new idioms?

It can feel like a lot to remember, but here are some tips that truly work:

• Context is King: Don't just memorize definitions. See how idioms are used in sentences. Read, listen, and watch English content.
• Visualize: Try to create a mental image for each idiom. For "get the ball rolling," imagine pushing a ball!
• Use Them: The best way to learn is to use them! Try to incorporate one or two new idioms into your conversations or writing each week. Start small.
• Group Them: Like we did in this article, group idioms by theme (e.g., idioms for starting, idioms for happiness, etc.).
• Flashcards: Traditional flashcards (digital or physical) can be very effective for quick recall.
• Practice with a Partner: Find a language exchange partner and practice using idioms in conversations.

Are idioms used in formal or informal settings?

It really depends on the idiom! Some idioms are quite informal and best suited for casual conversations with friends and family (e.g., "spill the beans"). Others can be used in more formal business or academic settings (e.g., "set the wheels in motion," "lay the groundwork"). When in doubt, it's safer to stick to more direct language in very formal situations until you're confident about an idiom's appropriateness. The idioms for "starting something" tend to be quite versatile.

Can idioms be translated directly into other languages?

Almost never! This is precisely what makes them tricky and fascinating. A direct translation usually won't make sense or will completely lose the original meaning. This is why you need to learn their idiomatic meaning in English, not just translate word-for-word.

Key Takeaways

Wow, what a journey through the world of beginnings! Here's a quick recap of what we've discovered:

• Idioms are essential for natural English: They add flair and help you sound more like a native speaker.
• Context is crucial: Always understand how an idiom is used in a sentence to grasp its true meaning.
• Practice makes perfect: The more you use these idioms, the more comfortable and confident you'll become.
• New beginnings are everywhere: Whether it's "getting the ball rolling" on a new project or "turning over a new leaf" in your personal life, there's an idiom to describe every fresh start.

So, go forth and embrace these fantastic phrases! Start incorporating them into your conversations and writing. You'll be amazed at how much more expressive and engaging your English becomes. What new beginning are you ready to describe with these idioms?