flying start
An especially good start.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The new project got off to a flying start this week.”
“Our morning meeting gives the whole department a flying start.”
“The new restaurant enjoys a flying start with many happy customers.”
“Because she studied the material all summer, she got off to a flying start in her advanced math class.”
“The team made a flying start by scoring two goals in the first ten minutes of the match.”
“You can get off to a flying start if you prepare your tools the night before.”
“The new manager got off to a flying start by solving the office's biggest scheduling problem during her very first afternoon on the job.”
“With a record-breaking first quarter and strong investor support, the startup secured a flying start that positioned it well ahead of its established competitors.”
The term originates from the technical requirements of sailboat racing, describing the specific moment a vessel crosses the starting line under full sail. To achieve a flying start, a ship must be moving at significant speed—or "flying"—at the precise instant the competition begins, rather than accelerating from a stationary position.
- 01
build the plane while flying it
To develop one's approach or strategy to a project while carrying out that project, and not beforehand.
- 02
don't get someone started
Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.
- 03
fits and starts
Activity which is intermittent, variable in intensity, and prolonged by interruptions.
- 04
flying visit
A very short visit.
- 05
fresh start
A new beginning, without prejudices.
- 06
get started
To cause (someone) to start talking about something in length.
- 07
head start
An advantage consisting in starting a competition or task earlier than might be expected; given (or taken), for example, prior to the beginning of a race.
- 08
if I'm not there, start without me
I am not interested in the event and do not plan to attend.
Last updated August 10, 2026