Hit the Ground Running
Meaning: To start something new quickly and work well from the very beginning.
To “hit the ground running” means to start something quickly and with a lot of energy. No one is sure where it comes from; one common guess is soldiers who had to act the moment they landed, but that isn’t proven. Today, it’s used in jobs or projects: “She hit the ground running on her first day at work,” meaning she started being productive right away. It’s all about diving in and taking action without hesitation.
How to use it
It’s very common at work, especially about new jobs, projects and teams. It’s positive and a little businesslike, so it fits interviews, job ads and emails. You’ll often see it after “ready to” or “can”: “We want someone who can hit the ground running.”
Examples
- We need someone who can hit the ground running on this project.
- She hit the ground running and closed two deals in her first week.
- I read all the notes over the weekend so I could hit the ground running on Monday.
A common mistake
Say hit the ground running, not “hit the floor running” or “start the ground running.” The past tense is also “hit”: she hit the ground running, not “hitted.”
Say it out loud
Tabbi Daily gives you one short lesson like this every day. Listen, record yourself and hear how you sound. Free, no account needed.
Source: Grammarist