Hit the ground running
/hɪt ðə ɡraʊnd ˈrʌnɪŋ/neutral, informalUS · UK · CA · AU · IE
What does “Hit the ground running” mean?
Hit the ground running means to begin an activity or a new job immediately with great energy and without any delay.
This idiom means to start a new task with full speed, ready to succeed right away. A person does not spend time warming up, hesitating, or asking for basic help. Instead, they produce good results from the very first moment.
The phrase feels active, positive, and confident. It is very common in job interviews and business meetings to describe a person who is capable, motivated, and prepared.
When do people say it?
People often use this phrase at work when a person starts a new project or job without needing time to learn the basics.
“We need an experienced manager who can hit the ground running on day one.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral, informal. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in US and UK and CA and AU and IE.
Where does it come from?
The phrase likely comes from soldiers parachuting into combat or people jumping off moving trains, who had to run upon landing to stay upright. The exact first use is not completely settled.
Origin confidence: Reasonably documented
How do you say “Hit the ground running” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11