running start noun

1. a start to a race in which the runners are already running when they reach the starting line
   • ● The racers were given a running start.
   • (figurative)
     ● The Democratic candidate seems to be off to a running start.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

running start
{v. phr.} To have a promising or successful beginning.
Ron got off to a flying start in business school when he got nothing but A's.

{n. phr.} Good progress at the beginning.
The team was off to a running start, having won the first two games.

Contributions of $5000 before the drive began gave the charity fund a running start.
Compare: HEAD START.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲