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Region: General | Usage example: The new incentives jump-started hiring.

Jump-start

Meaning

Quickly kick off something, often a stalled effort.

Usage

Borrowed from refueling cars but now used for projects.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Automotive term for starting a stalled engine with a jump cable.

Used since the mid-20th century, especially in business media.

Related Idioms

Call it a day

Decide to stop doing something, typically work, for the rest of the day.

Air your laundry

Publicly discuss private matters, often causing embarrassment.

Cut corners

To save time, money, or effort by skipping proper steps, often reducing quality or safety.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.