under starters orders

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.

See also: order

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

under ˌstarters ˈorders

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

See also: order, starter

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017