keep the ball rolling, to
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 and Related Terms
- Push the envelope: To try to extend the current limits of performance. (✈️)
- Keep the wheels turning: To ensure continuity.
- Stay the course: Stick with a plan or activity until its completion.
Synonyms
- Continue, Sustain, Persevere, Push forward
Antonyms
- Cease, Halt, Stop, Interrupt
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Life’s too short to be stuck in neutral. Keep the engine running and the ball rolling!” – Unknown
Proverbs
- “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible and keep pushing forward.”
Literature Suggestions
- The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper (Great for kids and the young at heart! 🚂)
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Songs Suggestion
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen 🎵
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor 🐯
Movies Suggestions
- Forrest Gump (Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what ball is rolling next.)
- Rocky (Definite ball-roller when it comes to determination and perseverance.)
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
Remember, in the grand game of life, the goal isn’t just to start but to keep the ball rolling. That momentum is where dreams become reality, and persistence pays off.
### Which of these means to keep an activity going?
- [x] Keep the ball rolling
- [ ] Pass the silent turkey
- [ ] Strike while the bread is cold
- [ ] Swim with the moonbeams
> **Explanation:** "Keep the ball rolling" means to sustain an activity without stopping. The other options are fanciful nonsensical phrases.
### True or False: 'Stay the course' is similar to 'keep the ball rolling'.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! Both phrases emphasize maintaining persistence and continuing an activity or plan until it is completed.
### Which of these synonyms fits 'keep the ball rolling'?
- [ ] Cease
- [x] Sustain
- [ ] Halt
- [ ] Interrupt
> **Explanation:** Sustain is a synonym for 'keep the ball rolling', meaning to continue an activity.
### What historical event popularized 'keep the ball rolling' in the USA?
- [x] The 1840 election campaign for William Henry Harrison
- [ ] The invention of basketball
- [ ] The moon landing
- [ ] The Boston Tea Party
> **Explanation:** "Keep the ball rolling" gained popularity during the 1840 election campaign of William Henry Harrison, with his supporters chanting to "Keep the Harrison ball rolling."
### What's the antonym of 'keep the ball rolling'?
- [ ] Push forward
- [x] Halt
- [ ] Continue
- [ ] Persevere
> **Explanation:** Halt is an antonym for 'keep the ball rolling', meaning to stop an activity.
