have a head start

1. To have an advantage by beginning a competition, especially a race, before the official start time for the other competitors. Officials ruled that the runner had a head start because his feet left their mark two seconds before the starting gun had fired. I always lose at hide-and-seek, so the other kids let me have a head start to go hide. The team was assessed a penalty because one of their offensive players had a head start before the ball was snapped.

2. To begin some task or activity at an earlier time than is typical or necessary. Billy liked to have a head start on his homework before leaving school so he had more time to play with his friends when he got home. Thank goodness I had a head start on the project, considering the board moved the deadline up! A: "I bet you have a head start on your Christmas shopping." B: "Indeed I do. What can I say? I hate going out in the crowds."

3. To have or be given an advantage that makes it easier to complete or succeed in some task or activity. It's come to light that this applicant had a head start in the hiring process—his portfolio was moved straight to the short list of candidates by a friend on the selection committee. It always feels like kids who come from wealthy families have a head start in life. Or maybe I'm just bitter because I have so much student loan debt. Does she really think her son will have a head start in life if he goes to this so-called "prestigious"—and wildly expensive—preschool?