IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
get off the ground
idiomɡet ɒf ðə ˈɡraʊndBand 8
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
“get off the ground” is a Band 8 idiom that means to start successfully or begin to operate. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
To start successfully or begin to operate.
Example sentences
- “The project never really got off the ground.”
- “It took years for the start-up to get off the ground.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
take offget startedlaunch
Antonyms
stallfail
Collocations & common phrases
Collocations
get a business off the ground
Common phrases
get off the ground
Related idioms
get off the ground
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “get off the ground” mean?
To start successfully or begin to operate.
How do you use “get off the ground” in a sentence?
For example: “The project never really got off the ground.”
What are some synonyms for “get off the ground”?
Synonyms include take off, get started, launch.
Is “get off the ground” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as get a business off the ground help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.