set the wheels in motion: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘set the wheels in motion’ mean?
"Set the wheels in motion" is an idiom meaning to initiate or start a process or action.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the ball is in someone's court" means that it is now someone's turn or responsibility to take action or make a decision.
The idiom "take the wheel" is commonly used in the English language, particularly in American English, and it has a specific meaning that may vary in different contexts.
The idiom "take the initiative" means to be proactive and make the first move or take action without being prompted or instructed.
The idiom "take for a spin" means to test or try out something, usually a vehicle or a new product, by taking it on a short journey or using it for a short period of time.
Take for a spin is an idiomatic expression that means to test or try something, especially a vehicle, before making a purchase. The phrase originated in the early 20th century in the world of automobile sales. It is commonly used in informal contexts, particularly in North America.
The idiom "switch on" means to activate or turn on. It is used to describe the action of starting a device or making something operational.
The idiom "step on it" means to hurry or accelerate, typically used as a command to someone to go faster.
The idiom "step on it" is used in casual spoken English to express a sense of urgency or the need for increased speed. When someone tells another person to "step on it," they are essentially urging them to hurry up or accelerate their actions.
"Step lively" means to move quickly or energetically. It is often used as an instruction or command to hurry up or increase the pace. This idiom is commonly used in informal or casual contexts to encourage someone to move faster.
The idiom "step forward" means to take the initiative or to offer oneself for a task or responsibility.
This idiom means to begin with a fresh start or a new approach, without any preconceived notions or biases from the past.
Igniting Momentum
set in motion is an idiom that is closely related to the phrase "set the wheels in motion." Both idioms emphasize the act of initiating movement or action. However, "set in motion" is a more general expression that can be used in a broader range of contexts.
The idiom "set in motion" can be used to describe the act of initiating any type of movement, action, or process. It implies the start or commencement of something, without specifying the mechanism or means by which it is achieved. This idiom can be applied to various situations, such as starting a new project, launching a business, or taking the first steps towards achieving a goal.
Similar to "set the wheels in motion," "set in motion" relies on symbolism and metaphorical language to convey its meaning. The phrase uses the word "set" to imply the action of putting something into motion or causing it to start. The word "motion" represents movement, progress, or development. When combined, the idiom suggests that once something is set in motion, it will continue to develop or progress on its own.
While "set in motion" is a more general idiom, "set the wheels in motion" specifically uses the metaphor of wheels to convey the idea of movement or progress. The phrase "set of wheels" is closely related to "set the wheels in motion" and further emphasizes the concept of movement. In this context, "set of wheels" refers to a collection or arrangement of wheels, often associated with vehicles or machinery.
The idiom "spin one's wheels" is also relevant to the topic at hand. It is another idiomatic expression that can be used in a similar context to "set the wheels in motion." However, "spin one's wheels" conveys a slightly different meaning. It suggests that someone is expending effort or energy without achieving any significant progress or results.
When someone is spinning their wheels, they are engaged in activity without making meaningful or forward movement. This idiom is often used to describe situations where a person is stuck in a cycle of unproductive or repetitive actions. It can also imply a sense of frustration or wasting time.
It is essential to consider the potential implications of these idiomatic expressions when using them in conversation or writing. The phrase "set the wheels in motion" emphasizes the initiation and continuous progress of a particular action or process. However, once the wheels are set in motion, it may be challenging to alter or control the course of action. Similarly, "set in motion" signifies the start or commencement of something, which may lead to further developments or consequences.
Idiomatic expressions such as "set the wheels in motion," "set in motion," and "spin one's wheels" provide colorful and concise ways to convey the concept of initiating movement or action. While each idiom may have slightly different connotations, they all emphasize the start or commencement of a process or action. These idioms serve as metaphorical representations of the potential progress and consequences that arise from initiating movement and action.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "set the wheels in motion" can be used in a sentence:
- She set the wheels in motion for her new business venture by creating a detailed business plan and securing investors.
- The government announced a new infrastructure project to set the wheels in motion for improving public transportation.
- After months of planning, the team finally set the wheels in motion by launching the new product to the market.
More "Start" idioms
