Phrase guide

get off the ground

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To succeed or begin to succeed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • His big plans to get rich never quite seemed to get off the ground.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To make (something) succeed.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • He couldn't get George's career off the ground.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

get started or set in motion, used figuratively

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • the project took a long time to get off the ground

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: take off

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: start, go, get going

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.