What it means
Means you start a new job, project, or situation at full speed, making progress straight away instead of easing in. People use it for anyone who’s prepared, confident, and productive from minute one. It’s a bit office-y, but handy when you want to praise someone for not needing hand-holding and getting stuff done immediately.
Usage examples
"New starter hit the ground running, had the spreadsheet sorted by elevenses, answered three emails, and still had time for a brew. Boss was well chuffed."
"She hit the ground running on her first day and closed two deals by lunch."
"There is no training period, you are expected to hit the ground running."
Where it comes from
The picture is of someone landing already in motion, feet moving the instant they touch down, so no time is lost getting going. It is often traced to soldiers leaping from a moving vehicle or parachute and sprinting off at once. To hit the ground running is to start a new job or task at full speed from the very first moment, with no warm-up and no settling-in period.
Other ways to say it
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