get a head start

get a head start
get a head start
1. To begin some competitive activity, especially a race, before the official start time for the other competitors.
Officials ruled that the runner had gotten a head start because his feet left their mark two seconds before the starting gun had fired.
I always lose at hide-and-seek, so the other kids let me get a head start to go hide.
The team was assessed a penalty because one of their offensive players got a head start before the ball was snapped.
2. To begin some task or activity at an earlier time than is typical or necessary.
Billy liked to get a head start on his homework before leaving school so he had more time to play with his friends when he got home.
If I don't get a head start on the project, I'm going to miss the deadline.
I hate going out in the crowds, so I always try to get a head start on my Christmas shopping and wrap it up early.
3. To have or be given an advantage that makes it easier to complete or succeed in some task or activity.
It's come to light that this applicant has gotten a head start in the hiring process—his portfolio was moved straight to the short list of candidates by a friend on the selection committee.
It always feels like kids who come from wealthy families get a head start in life. Or maybe I'm just bitter because I have so much student loan debt.
Does she really think her son will get a head start in life if he goes to this so-called "prestigious"—and wildly expensive—preschool?
See also: get, head, start
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
See also:
give (one) a head start
a head start
head start
have a head start
in record time
hand over the baton
pass on the baton
pass the baton
baton
hand on the baton