running start

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of running start¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

She hopes that the city will invest in more long-term solutions to help local entrepreneurs get a running start.

From Los Angeles Times

Taking a running start, I scrambled up the trunk of a giant oak.

From Literature

The bank targeted this month so the new CEO could get a "running start" to begin in January, he said.

From Reuters

Woods, of Auburn, Illinois, took a running start and tackled the Reuters cameraman “like an NFL linebacker hunting a quarterback after an interception,” federal prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

From Seattle Times

He got a running start and timed his rush perfectly just as the ball was snapped.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• beginning 
• dawn 
• kickoff 
• opening 
• outset