- Meaning
- This idiom means to start a task, project, or role quickly and effectively, with immediate action and momentum, as if leaping into motion without pause. It suggests readiness, enthusiasm, and efficiency, often used in professional, academic, or competitive contexts to praise swift adaptation or initiative. The phrase carries a dynamic, proactive tone, reflecting cultural values of productivity and decisiveness, and emphasizes the advantage of beginning with full commitment rather than hesitation or preparation.
- Origin
- The phrase likely originated in early 20th-century America, possibly from military or transportation contexts, such as soldiers jumping from trains or planes and running immediately into action. An early use appears in a 1917 *New York Times* article, describing recruits ‘hitting the ground running’ in training. The idiom gained traction during World War II, reflecting rapid deployment, as seen in Ernie Pyle’s war correspondence. Its metaphorical use grew in the mid-20th century, particularly in business and sports, and was popularized through corporate culture and media. The phrase’s vivid imagery and relevance to fast-paced environments ensured its spread across English-speaking cultures.
- Variants
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- Hit the ground running
- Hitting the ground running
- Hit the ground runnin’
- Start running from the ground
- Examples
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- She hit the ground running in her new job, tackling major projects on day one.
- Hitting the ground running, the team launched the campaign within hours of approval.
- Hit the ground runnin’—we need you to lead the meeting this afternoon.
- Start running from the ground; the semester’s short, and there’s no time to waste.
- He hit the ground running after the transfer, impressing his new boss immediately.
- Hitting the ground running, they rebuilt the website in record time.
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