get a start

To receive assistance in jump-starting one's car. The engine just would not turn over. Luckily, I saw my neighbor and asked if I could get a start from him. A: "Hey, man, can I get a start from you?" B: "I'm so sorry, but I don't have jumper cables on me." If I could just get a start, I could take this old piece of junk to the mechanic down the street.

get a/the start

To be in the starting lineup, as of an athlete. Thomas is getting the start in goal tonight. A: "Hey Coach, is it true that I'm getting a start tonight?" B: "Yep, go suit up, Brian." My heart was practically pounding out of my chest when I got the start in my first MLB game.