at the outset
At the beginning. Honestly, I never expected this play to be so successful at the outset. At the outset, we had a much smaller budget for our renovations. For all the optimism at the outset of the negotiations, the two sides still haven't agreed to anything.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
at the outset
Fig. at the very beginning. At the outset, we were told everything we had to do. I learned at the outset of the project that I was to lead it.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
at the outset
Also, from the outset. At the start, from the start. For example, He wanted to explain his position from the outset, but there wasn't time, or At the outset the problem seemed simple, but then it became quite complicated. The noun outset is rarely heard today except in these phrases. [Mid-1700s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
at/from the ˈoutset (of something)
at/from the beginning of something: I made it clear right from the outset that I disapproved.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017