head start
1. A start time for some 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 gave me a head start to go hide. The team was assessed a penalty because one of their offensive players got a head start before the ball was snapped.
2. An earlier start time (for some task or activity) 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. If I don't get a head start on the project, I'm going to miss the deadline. I hate going out in the crowds, so I always try to get a head start on my Christmas shopping and wrap it up early.
3. An advantage that makes it easier to complete or succeed in some task or activity. It's come to light that this applicant has gotten 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 get a head start in life. Or maybe I'm just bitter because I have so much student loan debt. Look, I can't give you a head start on the contest—it would upset the others.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
* a head start (on something)
an early start on something [before someone else starts]. (*Typically: get ~ have ~ give someone ~.) I was able to get a head start on my reading during the holidays. If I hadn't had a head start, I'd be behind in my reading.
* a head start (on something)
an early start on something, [before someone else starts]. (*Typically: get ~ have ~ give someone ~.) I was able to get a head start on my reading during the holidays. If I hadn't had a head start, I'd be behind in my reading.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.