# running start

idiom

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

## Meaning

An initial advantage at the beginning of some action or pursuit; a head start.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.