get off to a solid start

To start in a strong, favorable, or promising manner. If you've already found that much research to support your argument, it sounds like you've gotten off to a solid start on your term paper. If you have already have a proposal, then you've gotten off to a solid start. But what you really need is a splashy presentation for the board if you want them to fund your project. He's gotten off to a solid start! But can he keep up that pace for the entire race?