"Get the ball rolling" - Manufacturing and Production

To initiate action or begin a process.

History

The early beginnings of the idiom "get the ball rolling" are unknown, but it's speculated that it originated from the act of rolling a ball to start a game or activity. In the 19th century, the expression was commonly used to describe setting things in motion, and it has since been adopted in various contexts, including the business world.

What is the Meaning?

"Get the ball rolling" means to start a process or initiate action, especially in a business context. It often refers to the beginning of a project, conversation, or event, and is used to encourage progress and momentum. For instance, when a manager wants to start a new project, they might say, "Let's get the ball rolling on this new product line."

Prioritize Quality Communication

Quality: our daily routine.

Illustration

IImagine a soccer game where the referee blows the whistle, and a player kicks the ball to set the game in motion. This action of getting things started is what the idiom "get the ball rolling" represents. In the context of manufacturing and production, it could refer to starting a new assembly line or initiating a new production process..

Manufacturing and Production Context - How to Use the Idiom

"Get the ball rolling" is commonly used in the manufacturing and production industry when initiating new projects, processes, or discussions. Here are some example sentences of the idiom used in various business contexts:

We need to get the ball rolling on the new assembly line to meet our production deadlines.

Let's get the ball rolling on this product design meeting so we can finalize the blueprint.

Our team needs to get the ball rolling on the SWOT analysis to identify areas for improvement.

Compare Sentences

Without idiom: We need to start the process of implementing the new production schedule.

With idiom: It's time to get the ball rolling on implementing the new production schedule.

The sentence with the idiom is more engaging and conveys a sense of urgency, which can be motivating for team members.

Over to you - Using the Idiom in Conversation

How would you use "get the ball rolling" in your business conversations? Try to think of situations where you could use the idiom. Consider reading this scenario aloud and recording yourself speaking to experience a more effective way of practicing the idiom. Here's an example to get you started:

Conversation

Scenario: A team meeting to discuss the new production line and assign tasks.

Operations Manager: Thank you all for joining today's meeting. Our main objective is to discuss the new production line and ensure we're on track to meet our goals. Can we start by reviewing the current status of the project?

Production Supervisor: Sure, we've completed the initial setup, but we still need to finalize the production schedule and train the staff on the new equipment.

Quality Control Manager: Once the schedule is finalized, we'll need to get the ball rolling on updating our quality control procedures.

Logistics Coordinator: I agree. In the meantime, I'll get the ball rolling on coordinating the transportation of raw materials to support the new production line.

Gap Fill Exercises

Add the idiom "get the ball rolling" to blank spaces in the following sentences:

1. We should ___________ on the new supplier negotiations to secure better pricing.

2. The project manager wants to ___________ on the facility expansion as soon as possible.

3. Can we ___________ on the equipment maintenance plan to avoid production delays?

4. It's crucial to ___________ on the employee training program to ensure a smooth transition to the new processes.

Quiz: Mastering "Get the Ball Rolling" in Business Contexts

Question 1:

What does the idiom "get the ball rolling" mean in a business context?

a) Delay a decision

b) Start a process or initiate action

c) Finish a task

d) Be indecisive

Question 2:

Which of the following sentences uses the idiom "get the ball rolling" correctly?

a) We need to get the ball rolling before the meeting starts.

b) The ball is rolling too fast for us to catch up.

c) He rolled the ball while discussing the project.

d) To get the ball rolling, we should leave early.

Question 3:

Fill in the blank: The CEO wants to ___________ on developing the new marketing strategy.

a) get the ball rolling

b) roll the ball

c) throw the ball

d) catch the ball

Question 4:

In which of the following situations would you most likely use the idiom "get the ball rolling"?

a) When you want to start a new project

b) When you want to complain about a coworker

c) When you want to discuss a problem without finding a solution

d) When you want to procrastinate on an important task

Question 5:

Choose the sentence that best replaces the idiom in the following sentence: "It's time to get the ball rolling on our new product launch."

a) It's time to postpone our new product launch.

b) It's time to start the process of our new product launch.

c) It's time to stop working on our new product launch.

d) It's time to evaluate the risks of our new product launch.

Scoring Guidelines:

5 correct answers: Congratulations! You have a strong understanding of the idiom "get the ball rolling" in manufacturing and production contexts.

3-4 correct answers: Good job! You have a basic understanding of the idiom, but you might want to review the material and practice more.

0-2 correct answers: It seems you might need to review the material and practice using the idiom "get the ball rolling" in various business contexts. Keep working at it!

Related Stories