open the ball

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

In reference to the start of dancing at a ball.

Verb[edit]

open the ball (third-person singular simple present opens the ball, present participle opening the ball, simple past and past participle opened the ball)

  1. To begin operations; to set things in motion.
    • 1908, The Standard, volume 62, page 553:
      This is "commencement week" in "over-the-counter insurance" circles, the Whitman, Mass., savings bank having opened the ball with four applications made for $300 each by three prominent business men []

Translations[edit]