get going

1. To depart. I better get going so I don't miss the train. Come on, kids, let's get going—the party starts in 20 minutes. Get going or you'll be late!

2. To cause someone to start enthusiastically discussing some topic. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "going." Don't get Grandpa going about the weather unless you want to hear about the Farmers' Almanac all night.

3. To start taking some action. We need to get going if we want to get this house cleaned up before your mother gets here.

1. to start moving. Let's get going! We can't stand here all day.

2. to depart. What time should we get going in the morning?

1. See get a move on.

2. get something going. Start something, get something into full swing. For example, Once we get production going we'll have no more problems. This usage also appears in when the going gets tough, the tough get going, meaning that difficulties spur on capable individuals; the first tough here means "difficult," whereas the second means "strong-minded, resolute." For example, That problem won't stop Tom; when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Also see swing into action.

3. Make someone talkative or active, as in Once he got her going on her grandchildren, there was no stopping her. [Colloquial; late 1800s]