'to get in on the ground'

Posted by Henry on May 26, 2003

In Reply to: 'to get in on the ground' posted by James Briggs on May 26, 2003

: : Hello,
: : This is my first time here.
: : I am needing help to find out whether this expression means to be one of the first?
: : Anyone could tell me?
: : Thank you
: : Marcia

: It means exactly that, perhaps derived from being part of building something from the very start, such as a house.

More often, get in on/at the ground floor. I think it refers to getting into a lift/elevator in a building. It means to be there at the beginning of an enterprise. It's often used about investments which have risen sharply.