ENGLISH
REFERENCE

from the word go

idiom
Meaning

From the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.


Origin

disputed origin

Suggesting a footrace that is begun with the word "go".

Examples
SIMPLE

I liked this book from the word go.

CONTEXTUAL

The project was disorganized from the word go, so we struggled to finish it on time.

COMPLEX

The new employee demonstrated exceptional talent and a clear grasp of the company culture from the word go, impressing her supervisors immediately.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all dressed up and nowhere to go

    Elaborately attired or otherwise fully prepared for an anticipated situation or activity which, nevertheless, fails to occur.

  2. 02

    all systems go

    Everything is ready.

  3. 03

    as you go

    While one is doing (something); as one progresses.

  4. 04

    bad word

    A vulgar word.

  5. 05

    boldly go where no man has gone before

    To break new ground.

  6. 06

    breathe a word

    To divulge even part of a secret (usually used with a negative).

  7. 07

    come and go

    To repeatedly appear and disappear; to be transient.

  8. 08

    dicky

    [Cockney slang]word

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