out of the (starting) blocks

at or from the very beginning.

The company wanted to be first out of the blocks with the newest video game format.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of starting blocks (= blocks a runner's shoes are placed against at the beginning of a race)

• have all the cards
• have all the makings of
• have all the makings of something
• have all your marbles
• have a lot going for
• have a lot going for you
• have a lot irons in the fire
• have [a lot of/a few/several etc.] strings to bow
• have [a lot of/a few/several etc.] strings to your bow
• have a lot of strings to bow
• have a lot of strings to your bow
• have a lot of time for
• have a lot of time for someone
• have a lot of time for something
• have a lot on plate
• have a lot on your plate
• have a lot to answer for
• have a memory like an elephant
• have a memory like a sieve
• have a mind like a sieve
• have a mind like a steel trap
• have a mind of its own
• have a minute to call own
• have a minute to call your own
• have a monopoly on