To maintain momentum in an activity or conversation, ensuring that progress continues without interruption. To sustain ongoing action or interest.
This phrase likely originated from early ball games where continuous play required keeping the ball in motion. It gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly during William Henry Harrison's 1840 presidential campaign, where supporters would literally roll large balls from town to town as a campaign gimmick, coining 'keep the ball rolling' as a political slogan.
The phrase got a huge boost from Harrison's campaign balls - some were 10 feet in diameter and covered with campaign slogans! This is also where we get 'the whole ball of wax' and contributed to 'on the ball.' Politics and sports metaphors have been intertwined in American English ever since this campaign.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.