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

England made a flying start in pursuit of 197 but slipped from 74-1 to 166 all out, with six wickets in succession taken by the Windies' spinners through the middle overs.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

The former United midfielder is only in charge until the end of the season, but his flying start has seen him tipped to win the job on a permanent basis.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Nicola Davies, the Children's Laureate for Wales, said reading to very young children gave them a "flying start".

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

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

From BBC • Nov. 23, 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