[get the ball rolling] or [set the ball rolling] or [start the ball rolling] {informal} To start an activity or action; make a beginning; begin. * /George started the ball […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

keep the ball rolling

[keep the ball rolling] {v. phr.}, {informal} To keep up an activity or action; not allow something that is happening to slow or stop. * /Clyde kept the ball rolling […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

jump ball

[jump ball] {n.} The starting of play in basketball by tossing the ball into the air between two opposing players, each of whom jumps and tries to hit the ball […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

keep one's eye on the ball

[keep one's eye on the ball] {v. phr.} 1. To watch the ball at all times in a sport, usually in order to hit it or get it; not stop […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

Recent updates

Ed Greif

It takes about a week of treatment to cure a cold, but without treatment it takes about seven days.

Idioms to Learn Today

Learn/refresh your knowledge against this set!Then check yourself by running flashcard test by definitions or by descriptions.

clear the air

[clear the air] {v. phr.} To remove angry feelings, misunderstanding, or confusion. * /The President's statement that he […]

every single

[every single] or [every last] {adj. phr.} Every. - Used for emphasis. * /She dropped the box, and when she opened it, every […]

ESL Podcasts

Selected multimedia related to general English learning

Kurt Benirschke

U.S. scientist Extinct is forever.

sitting pretty

[sitting pretty] {adj.}, {slang} To be in a lucky position. * /The new library is sitting pretty because a wealthy woman […]

sunbelt

[sunbelt] {n.}, {informal} A portion of the southern United States where the winter is very mild in comparison to other […]