To get underway

Origin

Imagine the bustling dockside of a 19th-century port, where a majestic sailing ship strains at its lines. For a vessel to be "under way," it meant it was no longer stationary, but actively gaining momentum, carving a path through the water. The word "way" itself here refers to the ship's progress and motion. Thus, "to get underway" captures that precise, thrilling moment when the anchor is weighed, the sails unfurled, and the ship casts off its last ties to land, embarking on its journey across the vast, open sea. From the ocean, this potent image sailed into general language, becoming the go-to phrase for initiating any significant endeavor.