make a start on

make a start on (something)

To undertake the beginning of some project, activity, or task. I'll make a start on the dishes if you'll put the kids to bed. I've been trying to make a start on my new novel, but I just can't get the words to flow right.
See also: make, on, start
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

make a start on something

to set out to do something; to make a beginning on something. See if you can make a start on the project. I will try to make a start on the cleaning before I leave today.
See also: make, on, start
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • make a start on (something)
  • have (something) to do
  • pour it on
  • copious free time
  • move (the) deckchairs on the Titanic
  • rearrange (the) deckchairs on the Titanic
  • rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic
  • shift (the) deckchairs on the Titanic
  • set about
  • set about (doing something)