under starter's orders

Literally, ready to begin a competition, especially a race, when signaled by the starter (the person who officially marks the beginning of the event). It wasn't until we were all under starter's orders that an official stopped the race due an accusation that one of the jockeys had tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.

under starter's orders

BRITISH

If someone is under starter's orders, they are ready to do a task, and can begin doing it immediately if necessary, and if something is under starter's orders, it is ready to start. There are over a hundred such schemes under starter's orders by central and local government. Note: When the horses in a race are under starter's orders, they are in the correct position at the start of the race, and are waiting for the signal for the race to begin.

under starter's orders

(of horses, runners, or other competitors) ready to start a race on receiving the signal from the starter.

under ˌstarters ˈorders

(of a runner, rider, etc.) waiting for a signal to start the race