Idioms

(one's) start

(one's) start

The beginning point of or first opportunity in one's career. Often followed by "in (something)." I got my start in publishing as an editorial assistant, and I just kept climbing the ranks from there. My father's friend was a senator when I was in college—she gave me my start in politics. I'm sure all the aspiring actors out there would like to know how you got your start in Hollywood.
See also: start
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*one's start

one's first career opportunity. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give one ~.) I had my start in painting when I was thirty. She helped me get my start by recommending me to the manager.
See also: start

*start

 
1. and *jump(start) battery power to help start someone's car, etc. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) My car is stalled. I need to get a start. I got my car going. I got a jump from John.
2. help in beginning one's career; a first opportunity in the beginning of one's career. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) She got a start in show business in Cincinnati. She had a start when she was only four.

start something

to start a fight or an argument. (Something can be replaced by anything or nothing with the negative.) Hey, you! Better be careful unless you want to start something. I don't want to start anything. I'm just leaving.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

start

/light/build a fire under Slang
To urge or goad to action.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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