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

The seven-time champion made a flying start, up to 13th on the first lap and continued to move forwards.

From BBC

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

Commenting on his new role on the spin-off, he said he was looking forward to his co-judges "taking me under their wing and seeing the chefs get off to a flying start in the competition".

From BBC

British sprinter Matthew Richardson wants to become the "fastest track cyclist of all time" as he aims to break the 200m flying start time trial world record in Turkey next week.

From BBC

Van Gerwen made a flying start against Northern Ireland's Rock, taking the opening leg with a 150 checkout before surging into a 5-1 lead.

From BBC