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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2024

"Threads will be off to a running start as it is built upon the Instagram platform with its massive user base and if users adopt Threads, advertisers will be following closely behind."

From Reuters • Jul. 6, 2023

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