don’t get someone started: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘don't get someone started’ mean?
The idiom don't get someone started means to avoid provoking or encouraging someone to talk about a particular topic because it may result in a long, passionate, or potentially heated conversation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "talk someone out of something" means to persuade or convince someone not to do or pursue something that they were planning or considering.
The idiom "keep quiet" means to remain silent or not speak, especially when it is important to do so in order to maintain secrecy, avoid trouble, or not reveal information.
The idiom "it's none of your business" means that a person should not interfere or ask about something that does not concern them.
An idiom meaning a controversial issue or situation that is difficult to handle, and often passed quickly from person to person to avoid dealing with it.
The idiom "hold that thought" means to ask someone to temporarily stop speaking or delay a discussion until one is ready to continue or listen further.
The idiom "hold one's tongue" means to not speak or to remain silent, typically when faced with a situation where speaking might be inappropriate or cause trouble.
The idiom "have words" means to argue or have a heated discussion with someone.
The idiom "get wind in one's jaws" means to talk excessively or for a long time about something, often without substance or relevance.
The idiom "get under someone's skin" means to annoy or bother someone to the point where they feel irritated or angry. It refers to something or someone that has a persistent and intrusive effect on someone's emotions or thoughts.
The idiom "get to the point" means to speak or write directly and concisely, without unnecessary details or digressions.
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The idiom "don't get someone started" is a commonly used English expression. It serves as a warning to avoid initiating a discussion or topic that may provoke a strong emotional response or lengthy reply from the person being addressed. Essentially, it conveys the idea that the person being addressed has strong opinions or feelings about the topic, and starting a conversation on that topic may lead to impassioned or overly talkative responses.
The origin and etymology of this idiom are unclear. It is a colloquial phrase that has likely evolved over time through common usage, without any specific historical or cultural origin.
Informally, "don't get someone started" is used in casual conversations among friends or family members. It serves as a way to discourage lengthy or contentious discussions that may not be productive or enjoyable for all parties involved. By warning against initiating a particular topic, this idiom helps maintain a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.
When someone says "don't get me/us started" or a similar variation, they are expressing their desire to avoid engaging in a potentially heated or lengthy conversation. The anticipation is that the person being addressed has strong opinions or emotions about the topic, which may result in the conversation becoming intense or time-consuming.
One related idiom is "above the fray." This idiom suggests staying out of a conflict or argument, remaining neutral or detached. It is used when individuals want to avoid getting involved in a contentious situation. When combined with "don't get someone started," it implies that starting a conversation on a particular topic may lead to an argument or dispute, which the person being addressed wants to avoid.
Another related idiom is "talk someone out of something." This idiom means convincing someone not to do or believe something. It involves persuading or reasoning with someone to change their mind or decision. When connected to "don't get someone started," it indicates that the person being addressed has strong beliefs or opinions related to the topic in question and that engaging in a conversation about it may lead to attempts to change their mind.
The idiom "don't get someone started" serves as a warning or cautionary phrase. Its purpose is to discourage individuals from introducing topics or issues that may trigger passionate or extended responses from the person being addressed. By adhering to this cautionary phrase, individuals aim to maintain a harmonious and enjoyable social interaction by steering clear of contentious topics and minimizing the risk of disagreements or emotional outbursts.
Example usage
1. "I mentioned politics and then Bob started ranting for an hour about all the things wrong with the government. I should have known better and not gotten him started."
2. "Whenever we talk about movies, Sarah always gets started talking about her favorite actors and won't stop. It's best to avoid the topic altogether to not get her started."
3. "John is really passionate about climate change. If you mention anything related to it, he will get started and talk for hours about the need for action."
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