The phrase “hit the ground running” means to start something right away while being fully committed and achieve a high level of success immediately upon embarking on a task. It is an informal idiom that means to immediately work hard and successfully at a new activity. The phrase is often used to describe someone who starts a new activity with great energy and enthusiasm, working effectively from the beginning. It can also mean to begin or proceed quickly, energetically, or effectively.
The origin of this phrase is disputed. Some possible sources are:
- Troops dropped into a combat zone, who had to move off quickly as soon as they reached the ground.
- Stowaways jumping off a freight train as it neared the station, who had to run away from the authorities.
- Pony Express riders avoiding delay when they changed mounts, who had to keep up their speed and momentum.
Some examples of using this phrase in sentences are:
- We need someone who is fully trained and can hit the ground running for this project.
- She studied the reports over the weekend so she could hit the ground running when the meeting began.
- He’s in excellent shape and in good spirits. He’ll hit the ground running when he gets back.
