from the word go

Idioms  

1. From the start, as in I've had trouble with this computer from the word go. This expression probably alludes to the start of a race, signaled by the word go. [Early 1800s] For a synonym, see from scratch.

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Example Sentences

"It's very easy to feel some element of shame and keep it to yourself. But right from the word go, I was determined I wasn't going to do that."

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Pretty much from the word go, the audience was trying to figure out who killed whom with what and why.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2022

The EQS sedan and SUV should be "profitable from the word go" in the U.S. market, he said.

From Reuters • Oct. 22, 2021

The Tomorrow War needs a little explaining from the word go.

From Slate • Jul. 2, 2021

I thought it was obvious from the word go.

From "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose