Antonyms for the phrase "kept ball rolling" are numerous, and they generally refer to actions or attitudes that prevent progress, initiative or momentum. Some possible antonyms include "halted progress," "stagnated the project," "threw a spanner in the works," "dropped the ball," "lost steam," "put a damper on things," "killed momentum," "turned a blind eye," "ignored the problem," or "failed to follow through." Such antonyms suggest a lack of commitment, leadership, or cooperation, and they underline the importance of continuous effort, communication, and engagement in any project, goal, or enterprise. To avoid these antonyms, it is crucial to stay focused, accountable, and proactive throughout the process of keeping the ball rolling.