在英语中,常用短语“set the wheels in motion”,字面意思是“让轮子动起来”,实际上指的是“使某事开始运转、实施”。
Victoria dreamed of becoming an Olympic cycling champion. She set the wheels in motion by buying a racing bike.
Neil decided to move to the country. He set the wheels in motion by calling an estate agent.
值得注意的是,与wheel相关的短语还有一个“oil the wheel”,比喻用圆滑手段使某事顺利进行。
John offered his expertise, which helped oil the wheels on the big building project.