open the ball
verb
Roget 66:
begin,
start,
commence;
conceive,
open,
dawn,
set in,
take its rise,
enter upon,
enter;
set out
etc.
(depart)
293;
embark in;
incept†.
initiate,
launch,
inaugurate.
inchoate,
rise,
arise,
originate.
usher in;
lead off,
lead the way;
take the lead,
take the initiative;
head;
stand at the head,
stand first,
stand for;
lay the foundations
etc.
(prepare)
673;
found
etc.
(cause)
153;
set up,
set on foot,
agoing†,
set abroach†,
set the ball in motion;
apply the match to a train;
broach;
open up,
open the door to.
get underway,
set about,
get to work,
set to work,
set to;
make a beginning,
make a start.
handsel;
take the first step,
lay the first stone,
cut the first turf;
break ground,
break the ice,
break cover;
pass the Rubicon,
cross the Rubicon;
open fire,
open the ball;
ventilate,
air;
undertake
etc.
676.
come into existence,
come into the world;
make one's debut,
take birth;
burst forth,
break out;
spring up,
spring forth,
crop up,
pop up,
appear,
materialize.
begin at the beginning,
begin ab ovo [Lat.].
begin again,
begin de novo;
start afresh,
make a fresh start,
take it from the top,
shuffle the cards,
reshuffle the cards,
resume,
recommence.
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Roget 62:
precede;
come before,
come first;
head,
lead,
take the lead;
lead the way,
lead the dance;
be in the vanguard;
introduce,
usher in;
have the pas;
set the fashion
etc.
(influence)
175;
open the ball;
take precedence,
have precedence;
have the start
etc.
(get before)
280.
place before;
prefix;
premise,
prelude,
preface.
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