flying start

American  

noun

1. a start, as in sailboat racing, in which the entrants begin moving before reaching the starting line.

2. a start or beginning of anything, characterized by the participant's vigor and enthusiasm and sometimes by a certain advantage over competitors.

   She's off to a flying start in her new job.

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flying start British  

noun

1. Also called (informal): flyer.  (in sprinting) a start by a competitor anticipating the starting signal

2. a start to a race or time trial in which the competitor is already travelling at speed as he passes the starting line

3. any promising beginning

4. an initial advantage over others

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flying start Idioms  

1. see under get off the ground.

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Etymology

Origin of flying start

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

flying start

After missing last season's play-offs the Baltimore Ravens brought an end to John Harbaugh's 18-year tenure as head coach, and they made a flying start under successor Jesse Minter.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

A nicely worked try by Cadan Murley in the opening minute gave England a flying start, but they were soon reeled in once France's quicksilver handling game got up to speed.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

After Canada won the toss and elected to field, Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram got South Africa off to a flying start, putting on an opening stand of 70 in 6.5 overs.

From Barron's ● Feb. 9, 2026

Abhishek smashed eight sixes to get India off to a flying start before a late unbeaten cameo of 44 by Rinku Singh helped the hosts reach 238-7 after being invited to bat first in Nagpur.

From Barron's ● Jan. 21, 2026

He backed up so he could get a flying start and then we whooped across the bridge, our wheels clattering across the loose boards, space gaping below.

From "Homesick" by Jean Fritz