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 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

Airlines are off to a flying start in the new year.

From Barron's ● Jan. 12, 2026

It was chanceless, and though England were guilty of bowling too wide in the powerplay to allow her a flying start, Wolvaardt never faltered, even when the bowlers improved and tightened their grip.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2025

Phoebe Litchfield got Australia off to a flying start after Alyssa Healy won the toss and chose to bat, firing a 31-ball 45 as they reached 81-1 at the end of the powerplay.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2025

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