give (one) a start

1. To startle or frighten one. That loud noise sure gave us all a start. The sound of the door slamming gave me a start, but it was just my husband, home earlier than expected. Someone banging at your door at 1:00 in the morning will give you a start, that's for sure!

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

3. To provide one with an opportunity that marks the beginning of one's career. My father's friend was a senator when I was in college—she was the one who gave me a start in politics. A: "What gave you a start in publishing?" B: "There was an unpaid internship being offered by a local publisher. I went for it, and the rest, as they say, is history." I'm sure all the aspiring actors out there would like to know if a particular producer or director gave you a start in Hollywood.