start off
Britishverb
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(intr) to set out on a journey
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to be or make the first step in an activity; initiate
he started the show off with a lively song
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(tr) to cause (a person) to act or do something, such as to laugh, to tell stories, etc
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Set out on a trip, as in We plan to start off in the morning . [Early 1800s] Also see start out .
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start someone off . Cause someone to set out or to begin something, as in Mother packed their lunches and started them off , or Paul started them off on their multiplication tables . [Early 1700s] For start off on the right foot , see get off on the right foot .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“While they may start off as behind-the-meter or off-grid projects, data centers ultimately would like to be tied into the grid,” DeCampo says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
With 30-year fixed mortgage rates making their largest jump in four years, people looking to buy homes might consider loans with adjustable rates that start off considerably lower than fixed-rated loans.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026
That more humid air combined with light winds across England and Wales into Tuesday means it will start off rather misty and foggy with areas of low cloud for some.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
The fans are all over the place — it’s harder to get someone in small rooms, and you have to start off that way.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026
The student was about to start off, but Joinville’s round, refined voice called him back.
From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
