start out

verb

1. to set out on a journey
2. to take the first steps, as in life, one's career, etc

   he started out as a salesman

3. to take the first actions in an activity in a particular way or specified aim

   they started out wanting a house, but eventually bought a flat

Idioms and Phrases

Set out on a trip, as in The climbers started out from base camp shortly after mid-night . [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

He studied at St John's College, Oxford and on graduating almost immediately joined the civil service, starting out as a fast stream trainee in the Department for Education.

From BBC

Many of these freelancers start out as sole proprietorships, which is the default business structure.

From Salon

Whether you’re just starting out, on a budget or looking for something different, these yoga studios have something for everyone.

From Los Angeles Times

The restaurant’s Googie style is a futuristic architecture mode that started out of Southern California and featured sharp geometrical shapes, sweeping curves and bright, sometimes neon, lights.

From Los Angeles Times

Maclin had to earn his stripes; he started out as a stagehand.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abandon
• blast off
• disappear
• escape
• evacuate
• exit
• go
• pull out
• quit
• remove
• retire
• vacate
• withdraw