start with

start with (someone or something)

1. To begin (some journey, endeavor, project, etc.) with some particular possession or resource. A noun or pronoun can be used between "start" and "with." Each contestant starts with 1,000 points, which goes down after an incorrect answer. I started this company with the money I inherited from my grandfather.
2. To begin some process with some particular thing. Why don't you start with the food that's on your plate, and you can go back for more if you're still hungry later. I start every painting with a rough sketch, adding detail and color as I go.
3. To limit oneself to something at the beginning of some activity, endeavor, or process. A noun or pronoun can be used between "start" and "with." Why don't you start with the food that's on your plate, and you can go back for more if you're still hungry later. I know this is your first time playing football, so let's just start with some of the basic techniques.
4. To begin a video game with a particular character, item, skillset, etc. A noun or pronoun can be used between "start" and "with." You start with either Reinhardt Schneider or Carrie Fernandez, though the game is largely the same regardless of whom you select. The main character starts the game with a basic attack that doesn't deal very much damage, but you are able to upgrade it along the way.
See also: start
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

start (off) with someone or something

to begin a task or a process with someone or something. I will start off with one volunteer and then add others as we go along. I will start off with one hot dog and get another later if I want it.
See also: start
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • angle
  • angling
  • not do (someone or oneself) any favors
  • identify with
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • arrange for
  • arrange for some time
  • arrange some music for
References in periodicals archive
Secure shredding firms who start with either exclusively a plant-based or a mobile truck-based business model will certainly be tempted to "negative sell" against the other business model as they seek to gain customers and build market share.
Growth patterns: mobile shredding trucks remain popular for start-ups, but in-plant shredding typically accompanies growth
[3] For a short overview, see Treatment Access Expansion Project, http://www.taepusa.org Always check the latest information, but their fact sheets, "The New Medicare Drug Benefit: An HIV/AIDS Enrollment Tool Kit," published October 2005, gives an understandable outline to start with. It was written for organizations that are advising patients.
Medicare prescription nightmare: overview January 28, 2006
You may start with just 10 minutes three times a week.
Give me strength: why you need to lift weights
Wrist Extension: Turn to the palms-down position on the bench, and start with the hand hanging over the edge in a pre-stretched position (photo 3).
Start with fingers extended, and then flex them into a tight fist.
Start with the arms extended in front of the body with the rope straight and the weights off the floor.
Coming to grips with hand & forearm strength
Pierce & Co., says any good investment plan should start with participation in your company's 401(k) plan or with IRAs before actually buying individual stocks or additional mutual fund shares.
201 Investing: how to find the best low-cost methods for buying stocks and mutual funds. (Investing Part 2 Of A Series)
Hip Flexion (Photo 1): Start with the leg in the extended position.
Hip Extension (Photo 2): Start with the hips in the flexed position.
Abduction (Photo 3): Start with the legs close together, and then widen them beyond the mid-line of the body as far as possible, with the resistance being applied to the outer hip/thigh areas.
Target training: the hips and legs. (Powerline)
To determine price, he suggests that you start with the opportunity costs: how much your child would make at a regular job, say $4.25 per hour.
5 great business for young entrepreneurs
Neck flexion: Start with the head in the extended position, and then gradually flex it forward against the resistance.
Neck extension: Start with the head in the flexed position, and then gradually extend it back against the resistance.
Target training: the Neck. (Powerline 2002)
Let the swimmers start with water play and gradually guide them into using that time to swim lengths.
Giving your Age-Group Swimmer a STROKE, PART 2
Start with five to seven softball throws, then switch to the baseball - starting at 45 ft., then increasing to 60 ft., 75 ft., and 90 ft.
Preparing the pitcher for a start