running start
An initial advantage at the beginning of some action or pursuit; a head start.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Starting early gives you a running start on the project.”
“Because she studied the material all summer, she had a running start when the difficult semester finally began.”
“By securing the initial funding from private investors, the startup gained a significant running start over its competitors in the crowded technology market.”
- 01
don't get someone started
Used to attempt to avoid or abbreviate a discussion that speaker or hearer may wish to avoid.
- 02
fits and starts
Activity which is intermittent, variable in intensity, and prolonged by interruptions.
- 03
flying start
An especially good start.
- 04
fresh start
A new beginning, without prejudices.
- 05
get started
To cause (someone) to start talking about something in length.
- 06
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.
- 07
hit the ground running
To begin an activity immediately and with full commitment.
- 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