commence with

commence with (someone or something)

To start something with a particular person or action. The presentations will commence with you, Michael, so go on up to the podium. Once the band is ready, we'll commence with the dancing!
See also: commence
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

commence with someone or something

to start a procedure affecting a number of people or things by choosing a particular person or thing first. Each meeting commences with a reading of the minutes of the last meeting. The doctor interviews with Lynn and took everyone else in the order in which they had arrived.
See also: commence
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • commence
  • commence with (someone or something)
  • play first chair
  • put (something) into practice
  • put into practice
  • put something into practice
  • strike up the band
  • let's get the party started
  • one-hit wonder
  • a one-man band
References in classic literature
We had only three boarders and half a dozen day-pupils to commence with; but by due care and diligence we hoped ere long to increase the number of both.
Agnes Grey
State commissioner for information, Zakari Jameel, who made this known to pressmen in Lafia, said the event would commence with Juma'a prayer on Friday at the central mosque, Lafia.
Nasarawa Govt To Commence Transition Activities Friday
The session will commence with the customary address by President Ram Nath Kovind to the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Budget session from Jan 31 till Feb 13, Budget presentation on Feb 1