start off

Related to start off: start off on the right foot

start off

1. To begin traveling; to start a journey. We were just about to start off when I realized that I had forgotten my passport. Let's start off soon—I'd like to get to the campsite before sundown.
2. To do some particular task or action as a means of beginning some process. A noun or pronoun can be used between "start" and "off." Lets' start the meeting off by going around and introducing ourselves. I don't think you should start off the presentation with an anecdote like that.
3. To instruct, cause, or compel someone to begin on something or to begin doing something as an initial starting point. A noun or pronoun is used between "start" and "off." We'll start you off with some easy tasks so you get the hang of the job before we throw you into the deep end. They started me off washing dishes, but said they would train me to be a cook once I'd been there for a couple months.
See also: off, start
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

start someone off (on something)

to cause someone to begin on a task or job. I have to start Jeff off on this task, then I will talk to you. I will start off my workers on the job tomorrow.
See also: off, start

start off

 (on something)
1. to begin a series or sequence. Today I start off on the first volume of my trilogy. I am ready to start off now.
2. to begin a journey. When do we start off on our trip? I'm ready to start off. What about you?
See also: off, start

start off

(by doing something) to begin a process by doing a particular thing first. Can I start off by singing the school song? That's a good way to start off.
See also: off, start

start off

to begin; to set out on a journey. When do you want to start off? We will start off as soon as we can get everything packed.
See also: off, start
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

start off

1. Set out on a trip, as in We plan to start off in the morning. [Early 1800s] Also see start out.
2. start someone off. Cause someone to set out or to begin something, as in Mother packed their lunches and started them off, or Paul started them off on their multiplication tables. [Early 1700s] For start off on the right foot, see get off on the right foot.
See also: off, start
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

start off

v.
1. To begin in a specified way: The company started off with only two employees. Let's start off with an appetizer. The director of the play had started off as a stagehand 30 years ago.
2. To begin a journey: The climbers started off after breakfast.
See also: off, start
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (I've) got to take off
  • be off for (something)
  • be off for sth
  • (Now) where was I?
  • be well off for (something)
  • be well off for something
  • be off with you
  • break off
  • base off (of) (something else)
  • bounce off the walls
References in periodicals archive
We start off by looking at the issues for each launch, and if we have a problem, by doing root cause investigations and closing the issues.
Space: the ultimate high ground; Space and Missile Systems Center commander Lt. Gen. Brian A. Arnold, USAF, talks to Defense AT & L
Andy Attwater, manager of human resources, safety and training, says trainees start off at $13 an hour during the training period before being boosted to $14.50 plus bonuses once they are assigned to a drill rig as a helper.
Drillers hot commodity in mining market
Start off by massaging your entire foot--heel, arch and toes.
KARMA PEDICURE
As it turns out, males often start off in the wrong direction and have to turn around.
Catfish can track fish wakes in the dark
Start off talking about marijuana, start off talking about harm reduction strategies, and start off talking about how to move away from making a cocaine user a criminal.
AMERICA'S MOST DANGEROUS POLITICIAN
You start off as a minor Roman official running a small town.
All-powerful Roman Empire conquers again; CD ROM Game ReviewCaesar III
`If lucky at the end of the process there will be forgiveness but don't start off demanding it.'
Americans move beyond boundaries
I can't start off like that, it just carried over the whole game.
Simmon blames self after Phoenix's third straight loss
Water Taxi trips start off the Marina Promenade and the assembly point will be nearby Burj Al Arab.
RTA offers exclusive packages for marine transit means on New Year's Eve
What is remarkable is that four floats can be seen on this photo just waiting to start off, but sadly the date is missing from this card.
Back to the times when carnivals were a regular occurrence
"It's important to start off on a good foot here, definitely.
Hamilton sets new lap record in go-kart before Australian Grand Prix
If you start off in government, it teaches you loyalty and the power of the Whips, and the desperate wish to see whether you're going to get promotion and a junior post to start your ministerial career.
RHODRI ON... LABOUR IN OPPOSITION
Benvenuto, the mount of Johnny Murtagh, is one of seven newcomers in today's 13-runner 6f event, and trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "He's a nice colt who is just ready to start off, so we'll see how he gets on and take it from there."
Horse in focus ... Benvenuto
You start off wanting to win pounds 100 and then it's pounds 100,000.
BENTLEY: MY 100 BETS EVERY DAY; CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
"I knew it was going to be difficult against him and didn't start off too well," he said.
Mr Angry fires up Murray