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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation
Get underway (phrase) = to start, begin, or commence; to begin moving or making progress after preparation.
“Get underway” describes the moment when something actually begins — when planning ends and action starts, when waiting transforms into movement, when preparation gives way to execution. It captures that transition from stillness to motion.
The phrase comes from nautical language. When a ship is “underway,” it’s moving through the water — no longer anchored, docked, or stationary. “Getting underway” was the moment the ship began its voyage. This maritime origin gives the phrase a sense of purposeful movement and journey beginning.
In modern usage, “get underway” applies to virtually any activity, event, or process that starts. Meetings get underway. Projects get underway. Investigations get underway. Festivals get underway. Construction gets underway. The phrase works equally well for small beginnings and major undertakings.
What distinguishes “get underway” from simple “start” or “begin” is its slightly formal tone and its implication of significant commencement. You probably wouldn’t say “my breakfast got underway” — the phrase suggests something more substantial or more official. It’s common in news reports, business contexts, and formal announcements.
The phrase also carries a sense of momentum. Once something gets underway, it’s in motion and progressing — there’s energy and forward movement implied.
Note: “Underway” can be written as one word or two (“under way”). Both are acceptable, though “underway” as one word is increasingly standard, especially as an adjective.
Examples from the street:
- “The meeting will get underway at 9am sharp” → the meeting will begin precisely at that time
- “Construction on the new stadium finally got underway after years of delays” → building work finally started after extended postponements
- “Once the investigation gets underway, we’ll have a clearer picture” → once the inquiry begins and progresses, we’ll understand better
2. Most Common Patterns
- get underway → begin, start (the basic form)
- be underway → be in progress, be happening now
- already/now underway → already started and continuing
- get underway + time → begin at a specific time
- finally get underway → begin after delays
- set to get underway → scheduled or expected to begin
- well underway → significantly progressed; not just started but advancing
- once + something + gets underway → after something begins
3. Idioms
Note: There are no common idioms directly containing “get underway” — these are related expressions:
- get the ball rolling → start something; initiate action or activity (more informal than “get underway”)
Example: “Let’s get the ball rolling on this project — we’ve waited long enough.”
- set sail → begin a journey or venture; start something significant (from the same nautical origins)
Example: “After months of preparation, the expedition finally set sail.”
4. Example Sentences
- The conference will get underway tomorrow morning with the keynote speech
→ The gathering will begin tomorrow morning with the main presentation.
- Preparations are complete and the event is set to get underway this weekend
→ Arrangements are finished and the occasion is scheduled to begin in the coming days.
- The investigation got underway immediately after the incident was reported
→ The inquiry began without delay after the event was communicated.
- Negotiations are already underway to resolve the dispute
→ Discussions have already started and are progressing to settle the disagreement.
- The tournament finally got underway after a two-hour rain delay
→ The competition eventually began following a lengthy weather postponement.
- Construction is now well underway and should be completed by December
→ Building work has significantly progressed and should finish by year’s end.
- Once the audit gets underway, we’ll need to provide all the documentation
→ After the official examination begins, we’ll need to supply all the paperwork.
- The rescue operation got underway within minutes of the distress call
→ The emergency mission began almost immediately after the help request.
- Filming is already underway on the sequel to last year’s blockbuster
→ Recording has already started on the follow-up to the previous year’s hit.
- The ceremony got underway with a minute of silence for the victims
→ The formal event began with sixty seconds of quiet remembrance for those affected.
5. Personal Examples
- I like to get lessons underway with a quick warm-up activity that gets students speaking immediately
→ I prefer to begin classes with a brief introductory exercise that makes learners talk straight away.
- Once your English improvement journey gets underway, the key is maintaining momentum through daily practice
→ After your language development process begins, the essential factor is sustaining progress through regular exercises.
6. Register: Neutral to slightly formal
✔ Native usage tips
- “Get underway” sounds more formal and substantial than simple “start” or “begin” — it’s preferred in news reports, official announcements, and professional contexts
- “Be underway” (present state) is as common as “get underway” (the moment of starting) — “talks are underway” is standard news language
- “Well underway” emphasises significant progress — not just started, but moving forward substantially
- The nautical origin gives the phrase a sense of journey and momentum — it implies purposeful forward movement
- One word (“underway”) is increasingly standard, especially as an adjective, though “under way” as two words is also correct
- The phrase is slightly too formal for very casual contexts — you’d say “let’s get started” rather than “let’s get underway” with friends
✔ Similar expressions / words
- Begin/start → simpler and more universal; get underway sounds more substantial and formal
- Commence → more formal than get underway; often used in official or legal contexts
- Kick off → more informal; commonly used for events, especially sporting ones
