avoid vs start the ball rolling

To stay out of the way of (something harmful). 

To try not to do something or to have something happen 

to keep away from; to keep clear of; to stay away from 

To try not to meet or communicate with (a person); to shun 

To make void, to annul; to refute (especially a contract). 

To defeat or evade; to invalidate. 

Synonym of get the ball rolling.