starting block

American  

noun

Track.

1. a device used by runners, especially sprinters, for increasing their speed off the mark, consisting of a metal or wooden frame, usually secured to the ground at both ends, with adjustable, triangular-shaped blocks on each side for bracing the feet.

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starting block British  

noun

1. one of a pair of adjustable devices with pads or blocks against which a sprinter braces his feet in crouch starts

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Etymology

Origin of starting block

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The children nodded and braced themselves to take off from their seats like sprinters at the starting blocks.

From Literature

Besides the small step on the road to recovery that was the Scottish Premiership win at Livingston at the weekend, Rangers haven't managed to lose sight of the starting blocks.

From BBC

When it comes to making travel plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, you may still be crouched at the starting blocks.

From Los Angeles Times

For me, the characters are all at the starting blocks, but the gun to start the race hasn’t fired yet.

From Los Angeles Times

Next up was the boys’ 100-meter-dash finals, and because Panek and Barkley were using the same lane, it was her responsibility to hold down his metal starting blocks for him.

From Los Angeles Times