hit the ground running

Idioms and Phrases

Seize an opportunity; begin at full speed. For example, As soon as the front office gave its approval for the new department, we hit the ground running . The origin of this term is disputed. It may come from troops dropped into a combat zone, from stowaways jumping off a freight train as it nears the station, or from Pony Express riders avoiding delay when they changed mounts.

Example Sentences

Facing his second term in office today, Donald Trump and his transition team have hit the ground running with a series of stunning Cabinet appointments that have knocked the political establishment for a loop.

From Salon

At Thursday’s ceremony, Bass said the new chief has “already hit the ground running” with community meetings and efforts to evaluate the Los Angeles Police Department’s needs.

From Los Angeles Times

This may actually happen faster than you think, as Trump is moving aggressively on personnel and policy and will, unlike in 2017, be able to hit the ground running when he is sworn in.

From Slate

He said the president-elect had learned from his earlier experience in the White House and would hit the ground running in part thanks to the work of Howard Lutnick, the chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald, on the transition.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's coming for everyone. Please hit the ground running."

From BBC

Related Words

• begin
• inaugurate
• initiate
• launch
• take up