under starters orders

under starter's orders

Literally, ready to begin a competition, especially a race, when signaled by the starter (the person who officially marks the beginning of the event). It wasn't until we were all under starter's orders that an official stopped the race due an accusation that one of the jockeys had tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.
See also: order
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

under ˌstarters ˈorders

(of a runner, rider, etc.) waiting for a signal to start the race
See also: order, starter
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • under starter's orders
  • literally
  • be lost in translation
  • cut off from the (outside) world
  • a smokescreen
  • beat the pants off
  • beat the pants off (of) (someone)
  • beat the pants off someone
  • beat the socks off (of) (someone)
  • signal for
References in periodicals archive
Bangor on Dee Racecourse will find itself covered in paint and bubbles when the runners at one of North Wales' most popular events comes under starters orders on Sunday, September 4.
GET SET FOR RAINBOW BUBBLE DOUBLE
HUNDREDS of runners are under starters orders after registration opened for the second Caerphilly 10k - scheduled to take place on June 22.
Time to get running shoes on to grab place in second 10K
The 27-year-old, who was crowned this year's Dancing On Ice champion, will take part in Under Starters Orders for a second year.
Stars under starter's orders for cook-off
PACK your picnic and get under starters orders for an odds-on family treat at the Birmingham Mail Family Race Day at Stratford Racecourse this Sunday.
COME ALONG TO OUR BIG FAMILY RACE DAY
THE 163rd Grand National meeting is under starters orders at Aintree with 150,000 punters expected to enjoy the festival.
Scouse stars make Grand National a winning bet; RACING
North East horseracing fans are under starters orders for the biggest day in the sports regional calendar.
Hats off to new sponsor
A marketing offensive to highlight a pounds 1 million redevelopment project is under starters orders at Warwick Racecourse.
MEDIA & MARKETING: Racecourse begins charm offensive
FUND-RAISERS in Nuneaton are under starters orders.
Racing along for hospice cash
All runners and riders will be under starters orders at 2pm on the day as organisers aim to raise pounds 8,000.
Place your bets in day at wacky races for hospice
Scoots Girl withdrawn not under starters orders (vet) Newtown Shine withdrawn under starters orders (fell).
Glyn makes victorious return to fray after a year's absence through injury; WALES AND WEST: Last year's leading driver scores dramatic double
TONY McCOY, crowned champion jumps jockey for the sixth consecutive season on Saturday, has three aims for the new campaign which comes under starters orders at Plumpton this afternoon.
Sandown's grand finale: McCoy still champing at bit
A BRAND new festival was under starters orders this week as promoters aim to replace the decommissioned Feile with a new music spectacular.
Beautiful North: Witnness new musical festival
TODAY we are giving you the chance to snap up the last remaining tickets for Alder Hey's Under Starters Orders celebrity cookery and cocktail challenge.
Serving up last tickets for cook-off
Shoppers will be limited to a maximum five items after boss Sir Stuart Rose puts them under starters orders at 9am on November 13.
Bra-vo to M&S; yourmoney
The women's eights come under starters orders at the Penarth Road Bridge at 2.15pm, followed by the men's race at 2.50pm.
Taff Boat Race for Welsh students