running start

American  

noun

1. Sports. a start, as in the hop, step, and jump or the running broad jump, in which a contestant begins moving before reaching the starting or take-off point.

2. an initial advantage in undertaking something; a head start.

   His background gave him a running start in business.

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running start Idioms  

1. An initial advantage, as in His background in biochemistry gave him a running start in the field of genetics. This expression alludes to track events such as the running broad jump, in which one begins moving before reaching the actual take-off point. [1920s] Also see under get off the ground.

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Etymology

Origin of running start

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

running start

“Chakravarthy walks into the job Dec. 1 carrying investor doubt instead of a running start, with the CFO seat still unfilled.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

One caveat to that time is that Kerr did have a running start.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

If he can deliver successful AI products before he departs, Cook can secure his legacy as one of the great tech executives, while giving his successor a running start.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025

If you're ready to try interval running, start small.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 20, 2025

I toss the sword onto the top of the wall and locate a couple of possible handholds before backing up a few steps to get a running start.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• beginning
• dawn
• kickoff
• opening
• outset