start off as (something)

start off as (something)

To begin development from some particular status, condition, rank, etc. I started off as a QA tester, but I was eventually given the chance to be one of the company's software developers. It started off as short story, but I kept adding characters and plot developments until I eventually made it into a full-fledged novel. Hey, don't feel bad—we all start off as beginners. It's only through practice and experience that we get better!
See also: off, start
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

start off as someone or something

to begin in a particular status, character, rank, etc. I started off as a waiter and ended up as the owner of the restaurant. This tree started off as a tiny seedling only a few years ago.
See also: off, start
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • start off as
  • start out as (something)
  • start as (something)
  • be above suspicion
  • be above/beyond suspicion
  • be beyond suspicion
  • (Someone or something) called, they want their (something) back!
  • a rotten apple spoils the (whole) barrel
  • bushel
  • one rotten apple spoils the (whole) barrel