🌟 Introduction to ‘Keeping the Ball Rolling’
To continue or sustain an activity without a letup. Some writers believe this is a metaphor from ball games, but a much earlier use referred to the sun or planets (including Earth) as a rolling ball. In any event, this term became popular in the United States during the election campaign of 1840, when the supporters of candidate William Henry Harrison (“Tippecanoe” hero) rolled large “victory balls” in political parades and chanted, “Keep the Harrison ball rolling.”
🎬 Similar Terms and Phrases
- Carry the Torch: To continue a tradition or take over from someone else.
- Keep the Momentum Going: A modern spin, often used in business and team sports.
- Stay in Motion: Reminding us that a rolling stone gathers no moss.
- Keep the Wheels Turning: A nod to our industrial past and present.
🌞 Antonyms to Lose Steam
- Drop the Ball: Allowing something to fail due to negligence.
- Lose Momentum: Failing to maintain steady forward progress.
- Hit a Snag: Encountering an obstacle that halts progress.
- Call it a Day: Deciding to stop an activity for the time being.
😆 Humor-filled Quotes & Proverbs
- “The key to success is to start before you are ready and keep the ball rolling until midnight, when it’s pumpkin time.” - Anonymous
- “You can’t stop progress, but you can certainly slow it down with a good nap.” - Old Percy Picklepot
- “Make hay while the ball’s rolling.” – Mixed Metaphor Society
- “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step and keeping the ball rolling.” – Wise Elder of the Internet
📚 Suggested Materials
Books:
- Tippecanoe and Tyler Too: Famous Slogans and Campaign Songs by Milton S. Trumbull
- The Nature of Momentum by Physicist E. M. Fleur
Movies:
- The Social Network (2010): Keeping the startup dream alive!
- Cool Runnings (1993): A humorous look at an underdog story with unrelenting hope.
Songs:
- “Keep on Movin’” by Soul II Soul: An uplifting reminder to never slow down.
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor: The anthem of keeping the fire lit and moving forward.
Poetry:
- The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost: A classic on choices and perseverance.
🧩 Quizzes to Keep You Thinking
### Which phrase best describes sustaining an activity?
- [x] Keep the ball rolling
- [ ] Paint the town red
- [ ] Barking up the wrong tree
- [ ] Build castles in the air
> **Explanation:** "Keep the ball rolling" is all about maintaining motion and activity, unlike the others which take different turns.
### What history is associated with 'Keep the ball rolling'?
- [ ] American Revolution soldiers bringing balls of yarn
- [ ] Space race engineers testing satellites
- [x] 1840 US presidential election campaign chants
- [ ] Medieval knights in jousting tournaments
> **Explanation:** It originated during the 1840 presidential campaign, where William Henry Harrison’s supporters used the slogan.
Keep the ball rolling as you venture into your explorations! Remember, life’s always better and brighter when you’re in motion. Keep learning, keep growing, and stay curious.
Adieu from your ever-rolling word almanac!
— Buster Stokes, October 2023
