# head start

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/head-start
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- I got a head start on my homework this morning.
- She woke up early to get a head start on the project before the office became busy.
- By studying the material weeks before the semester began, he gained a significant head start over his classmates who waited until the final week.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.