get under way

1. To proceed or begin to progress; to start. OK, everyone, let's get under way—you have an hour to complete the exam. I'm sure you can ask your question once the lecture gets under way. Will negotiations to end the strike ever get under way?

2. To cause something to proceed or begin to progress; to start something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "under." We're just waiting for Martha before we get the meeting under way. They'll be getting the concert under way in about an hour, so don't be late! We need to alert the public to the safety issues with the car seat and get a recall under way.