give (one) a head start

1. To allow one to begin some competitive activity, especially a race, before the official start time for the other competitors. I bet I can beat you in a foot race. I'll even give you a five-second head start! I always lose at hide-and-seek, so the other kids gave me a head start to go hide. Hey, get back to the starting line! I didn't give you a head start!

2. To allow one to begin some task or activity at an earlier time than is typical or necessary. The teacher knew that I didn't have the means of working on the project at home, so he gave me a head start of a few weeks. If you get the data from Legal now, it'll give you a head start on this report. The school won't give me a head start on the exam, but they will let me take as much time as I need to finish it.

3. To give one an advantage that makes it easier to complete or succeed in some task or activity. It's come to light that this applicant was given 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 are given 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.