Meaning & use
hit ground running
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Meaning
phraseidiominformal
To start something new very energetically and successfully from the beginning, without delays.
Grammar: Usually used with 'hit the ground running'; it often follows 'start' or 'begin'.
Patterns
- hit the ground running
- start by hitting the ground running
The new manager hit the ground running and made changes in her first week.
After graduation, he hit the ground running and found a job within a month.
We need someone who can hit the ground running and not need much training.
Common combinations
- hit the ground running
- She hit the ground running on her first day at the office.
- be able to hit the ground running
- They want a candidate who can hit the ground running.
- start off by hitting the ground running
- The team started off by hitting the ground running with a big sale.
Synonyms and how they differ
- start with a bang
- Suggests a dramatic or exciting start, but not necessarily quick success.
- get off to a flying start
- Means to begin very well; 'hit the ground running' emphasizes immediate action and energy.
Opposites
Commonly confused: hit ground running or hit the ground?
hit ground running vs hit the ground
Literally means to fall to the ground; 'hit the ground running' is an idiom about a quick, energetic start.
Practice
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose one answer.
The idiom means to start something with energy and immediate success. Only option B matches that meaning. Option An is literal, and options C and D are not grammatical with this phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hit ground running”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.