motionBrE /ˈməʊʃn/ NAmE /ˈmoʊʃn/ ●put/set sth in ˈmotion ( set the wheels in ˈmotion) do what is necessary to make a start on a project, plan, meeting, etc.启动；使开始◆The Government wants to put the new reforms in motion before the election. 政府想在大选前启动新的改革。◆It will be many years before we see any results, but at least we know that the wheels are in motion. 虽然很多年后才能见效，但是至少我们知道项目已经开始启动。NOTE This expression refers to starting a large and complicated piece of machinery.这个表达法原指启动一台复杂的大型机器。