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Definitions

hit the ground running

VERB
commence
Synonyms
STRONGEST
begin inaugurate initiate launch take up
STRONG
arise open originate
WEAK
come into being come into existence embark on enter upon get cracking get going get one's feet wet get show on road jump into kick off lead off start the ball rolling tear into
Antonyms
STRONGEST
close complete conclude end finish stop
WEAK
cease

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But to survive at Forest he needs to hit the ground running and victory over his former club Fenerbahce was a step in the right direction.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani has hit the ground running in spring training in an effort to ramp up to pitch without restrictions before leaving camp for WBC obligations with Team Japan.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

De Zerbi is viewed as someone who can hit the ground running, a trait Tottenham could do with given their spiral towards the relegation zone.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

Both gold and silver futures hit the ground running in early trading, but pared gains as the day advanced.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

He hit the ground running and hauled the reins back, dragging the horse to a halt.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.