be off to a false start
be off to a false start
To make a failed, impaired, or underdeveloped beginning at something. Taken from racing, when a participant begins before the starting signal has been given. The small nation has been off to a few false starts since gaining independence, but it is now starting to find some economic and political stability. We knew the company was off to a false start, but, unfortunately, there was no way to put things on hold once the wheels were in motion.
See also: false, off, start
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- get off to a false start
- hurler on the ditch
- go out for
- go out for (something)
- living impaired
- third world
- party to
- visually impaired
- sit in on (something)
- a crying need