- To successfully start a project, business, or plan; to make it begin operating or functioning.
Explanation
Origin
- Evokes the image of an airplane taking off or a bird learning to fly.
- It implies overcoming initial inertia or obstacles to begin moving forward.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Get it rolling
- Get the ball rolling
- Fire it up
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Get this shit started
- Kick this thing in the ass (Force it to start)
Milder/Formal:
- Commence the project
- Initiate the venture
- Begin operations
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to Formal.
- Widely acceptable in business, project management, and general conversation.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Unlikely to be misunderstood literally due to common usage and context (projects, businesses).
Examples
- We need more funding to get this project off the ground.
- It took months of planning, but we finally got the new initiative off the ground.
- She's struggling to get her small business off the ground.
Dialogue
Maya: How's the community garden project going?
David: Slowly. We're still trying to secure permission from the council to use that land. It's proving difficult to get it off the ground.
Maya: Keep at it! It's a great idea. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
David: Thanks, I appreciate that.
Social Media Examples
- LinkedIn Post: Thrilled to announce we've finally gotten our non-profit off the ground! Thanks to all our supporters. Check out our mission at [link]. #nonprofit #launch #makingadifference
- Tweet: Struggling to get my freelance writing career off the ground. Any tips from established freelancers? #freelance #writingcommunity #advice
- Facebook Group Post: We need volunteers this weekend to help get the neighborhood watch program off the ground! Sign up sheet in comments. #community #safety
Response Patterns
- That's great news! (If successful)
- What's holding it up? (If struggling)
- How can I help?
- What are the first steps?
- Good luck with that!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing someone is trying to get something off the ground:
- Ask about the challenges or requirements.
- Offer assistance or resources.
- Ask about the timeline or next steps.
After hearing something *has* been gotten off the ground:
- Offer congratulations.
- Ask how it's going so far.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes the process of starting something specific. Can be used in questions like How's getting the new website off the ground going?
Intonation
- Stress often on get, off, and ground.
- Can be said with effort, hope, or satisfaction depending on context. GET this project OFF the GROUND.
Generation Differences
- Common across most adult generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal in English-speaking countries.