get off to a false start

To make a failed, impaired, or underdeveloped beginning at something. Taken from racing, when a participant begins before the starting signal has been given. The small nation has gotten off to a few false starts since gaining independence, but it is now starting to find some economic and political stability. We knew the company was getting off to a false start, but unfortunately, there was no way to put things on hold once the wheels were in motion. If I haven't approved your thesis yet, I'm concerned you'll get off to a false start in writing your term paper.