Head start

Meaning

"Head start" is an idiom that means to have a lead, advantage or an early opportunity compared to someone else. It can also mean to gain an edge over someone or something by acting quickly or making a decisive move. The idiom is often used to describe a situation where one person or thing has already taken the first step towards achieving something, and is therefore ahead of others who are trying to catch up.

Usage

• John was able to secure the job he wanted because he had a head start on his competitors by sending out his resume earlier.
• She got a head start on the project by researching it thoroughly before starting to work on it.
• The race was close, but in the end, the runner who took a head start at the beginning won easily.
• We need to take a head start on our preparations for the exams to ensure that we're well-prepared and have all the necessary resources.
• By starting his business early, John was able to gain a head start on his competitors and establish himself as a leader in the industry.

Roots and History

The idiom "head start" has been used since at least the 19th century. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the first known use of the phrase was recorded in 1870. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of horse racing, where runners who took an early lead were said to have a "head start" on their opponents. Over time, the idiom has been used in various contexts, including sports, business, and education.

Synonyms in English

• Advantage
• Edge
• Jumpstart
• Headway
• Lead

Synonyms in other languages

• 先位 (Sóngwèi) - Chinese
• Передвижной преимущество (Peredvizhnoy preimushestvo) - Russian
• Første gang (Første gang) - Danish
• Форвардный старт (Formvarðný start) - Icelandic
• קדושה (Kadoshah) - Hebrew

Similar Idioms

• bitter pill

• rule of thumb

• hot potato