off to the races

1. Departing for something. Your suitcases better be packed because, once the cab gets here, we'll be off to the races.

2. In the midst of an activity. Good news, sir—the architect is already off to the races on that project you approved this morning.

off to the races

Fig. an expression characterizing the activity or excitement that is just beginning; [we are] leaving for something interesting or exciting. The tour bus is out in front waiting and we've said goodbye to everyone. Looks like we're off to the races.

See also: off, race

See also:

References in periodicals archive ?

"Then as soon as I got the ball I was off to the races. I was looking up at the screen to see if any of the linebackers or anyone was coming up behind me."

WADE FITS THE BILL ON DEBUT; american football buffalo bills 24 indianapolis colts 16

As the area's largest provider of charitable care, Amita Health Alexian Brothers Women & Children's Hospital is making a profound difference in the lives of many children and will be the focus of the sixth annual "Off to the Races" philanthropic event set for 4 to 8 p.m.

Gala fundraiser at Arlington Park supports Alexian pediatric care

DON'T forget - if you're off to the races, you can now buy your ECHO on the course.

Come and say hello ..

Then it was off to the races for two full days of networking, professional development and education from well-known ag professionals--and local ag producers!

Boot Camp 2016: new trends and tactics in Ag

Once he's off to the races he is very relaxed and likes to talk about other stuff than racing.

MY WORLD

Barona Resort and Casino, a US-based hotel and casino company, has announced an 'Off to the Races' promotion, commencing on August 29, 2011.

-Barona Resort and Casino Announces Virtual Races

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond is off to the races on Friday - as part of the St Andrew's Day celebrations.

Salmond geed up for big day

the door on the glass tank closes, the water rises to give Moose buoyancy, the treadmill starts, and he's off to the races.

Dogs on treadmills

Record profits coupled with little or no regulation of the oil industry, and it's off to the races once again in Canada as far as natural resources versus the health of the environment are concerned.

Nigeria of the north: oil sands frenzy threatens Alberta environment

Include a well-organized work sample showcasing your project and you're off to the races!

Confessions of a Gold Quill Junkie: Claire E. Watson, ABC, APR, IABC/Regina and a past Gold Quill chair, recalls the projects and the passion that have helped her team win 19 Gold Quill Awards

All Philips and MKM (Mitsubishi Kagaku Media)/Verbatim had to do was develop the hardware/media technologies, make certain it could be inexpensively and reliably produced and the +RW Alliance was off to the races. Most of the rest of the members don't care which way the wind blows--as long as it blows.

Inside looking out observations from the dark side of the industry

WE'RE off to the races -on the Sunday Mercury's famous Cheltenham Gold Cup tour.

The Mag: HOLIDAYS - Gold Cup Enjoy a day at the races

From there, Crowfoot was off to the races. Like so many ideas that form in a bar, things got off to a slow start for the show and the book.

Abrasions: tattoo skateboard art: Presto Art

* Off to the races: Recent events do contain one bright spot for Robertson -- his racing horses are doing well.

Robertson says `day of judgment' due soon for United States. (People & Events)

From there, it was off to the races for a small but sometimes influential number of zealots.