starting gate

American  

noun

1. any of various types of movable barriers for lining up and giving an equal start to the entries in a horse or dog race.

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starting gate British  

noun

1. a movable barrier so placed on the starting line of a racecourse that the raising of it releases all the contestants simultaneously

2. the US name for starting stalls

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Etymology

Origin of starting gate

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

"When I think back on my crash, I didn't stand in the starting gate unaware of the potential consequences. I knew what I was doing. I chose to take a risk," she added.

From BBC

Days earlier, Shiffrin left the starting gate in the women’s team combined skiing event with the U.S. in first place after a brilliant downhill from teammate Breezy Johnson.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Standing in the starting gate yesterday was an incredible feeling that I will never forget. Knowing I stood there having a chance to win was a victory in and of itself."

From BBC

"I will not go home regretting not trying, I will do everything in my power to be in that starting gate."

From BBC

Rast, placed fourth after the first go, topped the times after the second run, but unfortunately for her there was still one skier in the starting gate still to go.

From Barron's