Starting something new—a project, a relationship, a habit, or a fresh phase of life—often comes with a mix of hope, nerves, and quiet determination. Over years of writing, teaching, and working with people at different stages of their journeys, I’ve noticed that idioms give us a warmer, more human way to talk about beginnings. They soften the fear of the unknown and add clarity, confidence, and care to our communication.
In this article, you’ll find 25 thoughtfully chosen idioms for starting something, explained in a clear, conversational, and practical way. Whether you’re writing professionally, speaking in everyday conversation, or simply looking for better words to express a new beginning, these idioms will help you communicate with intention and warmth.
1. Start from Scratch
Meaning: To begin something with nothing already prepared.
In a sentence: We decided to start from scratch and rebuild the plan carefully.
Best use: When emphasizing fresh beginnings or total resets.
Other ways to say: Begin anew, build from the ground up, restart completely.
2. Take the First Step
Meaning: To begin an action that leads toward a goal.
In a sentence: She finally took the first step toward starting her own business.
Best use: For motivational or encouraging contexts.
Other ways to say: Make a move, get started, initiate action.
3. Get the Ball Rolling
Meaning: To make something start moving or progressing.
In a sentence: Let’s get the ball rolling on this new campaign today.
Best use: In team discussions and professional settings.
Other ways to say: Kick things off, set things in motion.
4. Kick Off
Meaning: To officially start something.
In a sentence: The project will kick off next Monday.
Best use: For events, meetings, and organized plans.
Other ways to say: Launch, commence, begin officially.
5. Open a New Chapter
Meaning: To begin a new phase in life or work.
In a sentence: Moving abroad helped him open a new chapter in life.
Best use: For emotional or personal transitions.
Other ways to say: Turn the page, start fresh.
6. Lay the Groundwork
Meaning: To prepare the basics for something future.
In a sentence: Years of study laid the groundwork for her success.
Best use: In long-term planning or strategy discussions.
Other ways to say: Prepare the foundation, set the base.
7. Break New Ground
Meaning: To do something innovative or new.
In a sentence: The company is breaking new ground with this idea.
Best use: When highlighting innovation and originality.
Other ways to say: Pioneer, innovate, lead the way.
8. Make a Fresh Start
Meaning: To begin again with renewed intention.
In a sentence: After the setback, he chose to make a fresh start.
Best use: In personal growth and recovery stories.
Other ways to say: Start over, reset.
9. Set the Wheels in Motion
Meaning: To begin a process that will continue.
In a sentence: The approval set the wheels in motion.
Best use: For process-driven or administrative contexts.
Other ways to say: Initiate, activate.
10. Jump In
Meaning: To start something quickly and confidently.
In a sentence: She decided to jump in without overthinking.
Best use: For informal or conversational tone.
Other ways to say: Dive in, get involved.
11. Take the Plunge
Meaning: To commit to starting something risky or bold.
In a sentence: He finally took the plunge and changed careers.
Best use: When risk and courage are involved.
Other ways to say: Make the leap, commit fully.
12. Begin in Earnest
Meaning: To start seriously and with focus.
In a sentence: Work will begin in earnest after approval.
Best use: In formal or professional writing.
Other ways to say: Start seriously, fully begin.
13. Put Something into Motion
Meaning: To cause something to start happening.
In a sentence: Her idea put everything into motion.
Best use: For cause-and-effect explanations.
Other ways to say: Trigger, initiate.
14. Turn Over a New Leaf
Meaning: To change behavior and start anew.
In a sentence: He promised to turn over a new leaf.
Best use: In self-improvement and reflection contexts.
Other ways to say: Reform, change direction.
15. Set Things Off
Meaning: To cause something to begin.
In a sentence: One question set things off.
Best use: In narrative or storytelling.
Other ways to say: Spark, ignite.
16. From the Get-Go
Meaning: From the very beginning.
In a sentence: She was confident from the get-go.
Best use: To emphasize strong starts.
Other ways to say: From the start, initially.
17. Launch Into
Meaning: To start something energetically.
In a sentence: He launched into the new role enthusiastically.
Best use: For dynamic or active beginnings.
Other ways to say: Begin energetically, dive into.
18. Break the Ice
Meaning: To start interaction in a comfortable way.
In a sentence: A joke helped break the ice.
Best use: In social or communication settings.
Other ways to say: Start conversation, ease tension.
19. Plant the Seed
Meaning: To start an idea that grows over time.
In a sentence: That meeting planted the seed for change.
Best use: For ideas and long-term growth.
Other ways to say: Introduce an idea, initiate thought.
20. Begin at Square One
Meaning: To start again from the beginning.
In a sentence: We had to begin at square one.
Best use: When restarting after failure.
Other ways to say: Restart, start over.
21. Set the Stage
Meaning: To prepare for what will happen next.
In a sentence: Early planning set the stage for success.
Best use: In strategic or explanatory writing.
Other ways to say: Prepare, create conditions.
22. Take Shape
Meaning: To begin forming or developing.
In a sentence: The idea is finally taking shape.
Best use: For creative and planning processes.
Other ways to say: Form, develop.
23. Get Off the Ground
Meaning: To successfully start something.
In a sentence: The startup is finally getting off the ground.
Best use: In business and project discussions.
Other ways to say: Launch successfully, gain momentum.
24. Light the Spark
Meaning: To inspire the beginning of something.
In a sentence: Her words lit the spark for change.
Best use: In emotional or inspirational writing.
Other ways to say: Inspire, ignite interest.
25. Begin the Journey
Meaning: To start a meaningful process or path.
In a sentence: He’s ready to begin the journey toward growth.
Best use: For life goals and personal development.
Other ways to say: Start the path, embark on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why use idioms for starting something?
Idioms add clarity, warmth, and emotional depth, making communication more natural and engaging.
2. Are these idioms suitable for professional writing?
Yes, many are ideal for business, academic when used appropriately.
3. Can idioms improve spoken English?
Absolutely. They help you sound more fluent, confident, and expressive.
4. How do I choose the right idiom?
Consider the context, tone, and audience before selecting an idiom.
Conclusion
Starting something new is never just an action—it’s an emotion, a decision, and a story. Through these 25 idioms for starting something, you now have language that reflects care, confidence, and clarity. From professional writing to heartfelt conversations, these expressions help you speak with purpose and authenticity. Use them thoughtfully, and every beginning you describe will feel more human, more meaningful, and more memorable.
Daniel Matthew is a passionate visionary who believes in creativity, purpose, and innovation. With a focus on growth and authenticity, he turns every idea into meaningful impact.
