Pick up/take the ball and run with it
verb
To take over a task or project from someone and make good progress.
When the manager left the company, Sam decided to pick up the ball and run with it.
Often appears as...
- decide to pick up the ball and run with it
- need to take the ball and run with it
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To take advantage of an opportunity eagerly.
When she saw the opportunity to start her own business, she took the ball and ran with it.
Often appears as...
- see the opportunity and take the ball and run with it
- take the ball and run with it as it arises
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To take over a task or project from someone and make good progress.
When the manager left the company, Sam decided to pick up the ball and run with it.
Often appears as...
- decide to pick up the ball and run with it
- need to take the ball and run with it
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To take advantage of an opportunity eagerly.
When she saw the opportunity to start her own business, she took the ball and ran with it.
Often appears as...
- see the opportunity and take the ball and run with it
- take the ball and run with it as it arises
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Proactive Attitude
The phrase often implies that someone is proactively taking on responsibilities without being asked.
As soon as the lead designer quit, Mia picked up the ball and ran with the new project.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Progress
It suggests that not only was a task continued, but also considerable progress was made.
After our coach fell ill, the captain picked up the ball and ran with it, leading the team to victory.
Pro Tip 3/3Self-initiative
Indicates an individual's initiative to take control of a situation without relying on others.
Lena picked up the ball and ran with it, organizing the event when everyone else was hesitant.
Pro Tip 1/3Proactive Attitude
The phrase often implies that someone is proactively taking on responsibilities without being asked.
As soon as the lead designer quit, Mia picked up the ball and ran with the new project.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Progress
It suggests that not only was a task continued, but also considerable progress was made.
After our coach fell ill, the captain picked up the ball and ran with it, leading the team to victory.
Pro Tip 3/3Self-initiative
Indicates an individual's initiative to take control of a situation without relying on others.
Lena picked up the ball and ran with it, organizing the event when everyone else was hesitant.
Pro Tip 1/3Proactive Attitude
The phrase often implies that someone is proactively taking on responsibilities without being asked.
As soon as the lead designer quit, Mia picked up the ball and ran with the new project.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Progress
It suggests that not only was a task continued, but also considerable progress was made.
After our coach fell ill, the captain picked up the ball and ran with it, leading the team to victory.
Pro Tip 3/3Self-initiative
Indicates an individual's initiative to take control of a situation without relying on others.
Lena picked up the ball and ran with it, organizing the event when everyone else was hesitant.
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