running start
B2informal, figurative
Definition
Meaning
A start in a race where the runner begins moving before reaching the starting line, gaining momentum.
An advantageous beginning to any activity, providing initial momentum or advantage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used figuratively. Literal use is specific to track events. The idiom implies a significant initial advantage that improves chances of success.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept and idiom are identical. The literal sporting context is less common in UK vernacular compared to US.
Connotations
Equally positive in both varieties, suggesting a proactive, energetic beginning.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English, especially in business and motivational contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] get/have a running start on [object][Subject] give [indirect object] a running startget off to a running startVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get off to a running start”
- “get a running start on something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to beginning a project, quarter, or fiscal year with existing resources, data, or team momentum.
Academic
Used to describe beginning research or a paper with significant preliminary work or literature review completed.
Everyday
Common for describing the start of holidays, home projects, or personal goals with preparation already done.
Technical
In computing/engineering, can describe a process initialized with pre-loaded data or a system booted from a saved state.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- We need to running-start this initiative with the Q3 data.
adjective
British English
- She had a running-start advantage in the application process.
- It was a proper running-start launch.
American English
- Her running-start approach to the project saved us weeks.
- They proposed a running-start partnership model.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big dog got a running start and jumped over the fence.
- Finishing the planning early gave us a running start on the construction.
- Leveraging the previous team's research, we got off to a running start, compressing the development cycle by months.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sprinter already in motion when the race officially begins – they're literally 'running' at the 'start', giving them a clear advantage.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNING A TASK IS STARTING A RACE; AN ADVANTAGE IS A PHYSICAL HEAD START.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'бегущий старт' – it's not idiomatic. The correct equivalent is 'форa' or 'хороший старт'.
- Do not confuse with 'running' as in 'functioning' (работающий). The idiom is about motion/advantage.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'running start' to mean 'a start that continues' (misinterpreting 'running').
- Incorrect article: 'have running start' instead of 'have a running start'.
- Using it for a start that is merely 'fast' but not 'advantageous'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'running start' LEAST likely to be used idiomatically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely and informally, primarily in American English (e.g., 'to running-start a project'). It's non-standard; the noun form is strongly preferred.
They are often synonyms. 'Head start' is more common and general. 'Running start' more vividly implies built-up momentum, like a moving sprinter.
No, this is redundant. 'Jump start' (from cars) is a separate idiom. Use either 'running start' or 'jump start', not both.
Almost never. It inherently describes a positive, advantageous beginning. To imply unfair advantage, context would need to clarify (e.g., 'an unfair running start').