set the ball rolling

Related to set the ball rolling: On a par, run an errand, give rise to

set the ball rolling

To set something, often a process, in motion; to act to cause something to begin. I think it will be easier to become comfortable driving now that I've set the ball rolling with driving lessons. I'll set the ball rolling with the icing while you mix the cake batter.
See also: ball, roll, set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

set the ball rolling

or

start the ball rolling

COMMON If you set the ball rolling or start the ball rolling, you start an activity or you do something which other people will join in with later. Evans set the ball rolling with a £1 million donation to the charity. I've already started the ball rolling. I've set up meetings with all sorts of people. Note: Verbs such as get and keep are also used. Once you get the ball rolling, everyone wants to be involved.
See also: ball, roll, set
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

get/keep/set/start the ˈball rolling

begin/continue an activity, discussion, etc: I will start the ball rolling by introducing the first speaker.
See also: ball, get, keep, roll, set, start
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • set (something) over (something)
  • set over
  • set into
  • set into (something)
  • set in
  • set in a type face
  • be, look, etc. set
  • set beside
  • set forward
  • get (all) set
References in periodicals archive
Williams, 22, set the ball rolling when after looking out of medal contention in the finishing straight of the 400 metres he accelerated through to finish behind Greek winner Periklis Iakovakis (48.46seconds) and Poland's Marek Plawgo (48.71sec).
Bronze medal boost for Brits
If we could bring this trophy back, we could set the ball rolling for something special." .
WIN WILL LIFT CLUB
Although Scott will welcome back Leigh Griffiths, who missed the goalless draw with leaders Queen Of The South last week because of international duty, look to Gary Harkins to set the ball rolling.
Harkins is on a hot streak; ALBA CUP FINAL BBC ALBA, 3pm
Two Newport penalties,one from Dan Griiffiths and one from Chris Wannell, set the ball rolling and then at the end of a long rolling maul prop Dai Pattison forced his way over,Griffiths converting to give the Black and Ambers a ten-point lead.
Frampton comes alive; WELSH PREMIERSHIP
KNOWSLEY council will set the ball rolling on a mass buy-out of Kirkby town centre next week.
EVERTON STADIUM BUY-UP BEGINS; No planning permission BUT council starts CPOs in Kirkby town centre: EXCLUSIVE
Craig Reid set the ball rolling with his 20th goal of the season on 14 minutes, created by Wayne Turk who struck his first goal for County just six minutes later.
County put four past students
Tough-tackling Troy Amber set the ball rolling with a try in the corner with the conversion by scrum half Luke Worlsey.
Valiant Rangers; Unbeaten Brighouse too strong
Real Madrid forward Van Nistelrooy, who set the ball rolling with the opener against Italy a week ago, concedes the team could scarcely have dreamed of a better beginning to the competition.
SOCCER In Brief: Ruud shock
Richard Evans set the ball rolling with a 25-yard free kick on 15 minutes which got its way into the net, while Matt Green scored a goal of high quality 10 minutes later.
All's well as 'Port hang on
After teenager Greg Rutherford set the ball rolling with his long jump silver on Tuesday, Marlon Devonish, Welshman Rhys Williams and Becky Lyne added to the tally in Gothenburg with thrilling performances.
Williams' bronze is a real boost for the Brits
McClatchey set the ball rolling with victory over home favourite Libby Lenton, and Carry made it two out of two just minutes later.
Swimming: Games start swimmingly for Scots; COMMONWEALTH GAMES
A JOHN COUTTS double set the ball rolling as Thistle produced their second 5-0 win in a row.
Football: BUCKIE .......5 KEITH ........0
Karadin set the ball rolling for Johnson, who was taking his tally for the season to 70 - still 19 adrift of the champion - in the Summer Jumping Novices' Chase Championship.
RACING: Johnson treble
Andy Kirk set the ball rolling for Hearts when he opened the scoring after 18 minutes before de Vries claimed his first goal of the day five minutes before the break.
Football: DeVries stars for Hearts
Bruce Rioch's side dominated from start to finish, but they required a slice of good fortune to set the ball rolling.
Chirpy Canaries back on song to ruffle Grimsby; Norwich 3 Grimsby 0