under starter's 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 starter's orders

BRITISH
If someone is under starter's orders, they are ready to do a task, and can begin doing it immediately if necessary, and if something is under starter's orders, it is ready to start. There are over a hundred such schemes under starter's orders by central and local government. Note: When the horses in a race are under starter's orders, they are in the correct position at the start of the race, and are waiting for the signal for the race to begin.
See also: order
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

under starter's orders

(of horses, runners, or other competitors) ready to start a race on receiving the signal from the starter.
See also: order
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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 starters 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
Lilly Finnigan got thousands of walkers under starter's orders at Glasgow Green after mum Cheryl O'Donnell took to the stage to tell participants why she was raising cash for THEWISHAW hospital.
AND THEY'RE OFF
Let's have justice for all AT ONE time if your horse came under starter's orders and then refused to race you lost your money.
Let's have justice for all [...]; LETTERS
ON YOUR MARKS RKS RK The competitors under starter's orders
Ralph and kids are big spinners
48340375 Runners under starter's orders | Children at Emley First School jostled |for pole position as Dewsbury MP Ann Taylor prepared to blow the whistle.
More pizza for Donatello please!
AN amateur Birmingham athlete is under starter's orders to become one of the faces of the Commonwealth Games.
Athlete in frame for fame
RUNNERS from across the North East are under starter's orders for a fundraising event.
Runners gear up for event; NORTH TODAY
UNDER STARTER'S ORDERS: A racing car in action at The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power; and, inset, above, the firework display
Gentlemen, start your engines
He was cool" Usain Bolt, below, the fastest sprinter on Earth, after Prince Harry, who began running while still under starter's orders, beat him in a 20-yard race in Jamaica "We hate William and Kate" Message emblazoned on the shirt of singer Morrissey during a concert in Argentina "My wife is desperately interested in madness.
THEY SAID WHAT?
RUNNERS will be under starter's orders in Redcar this weekend.
On your marks, get set
The wine bar will be under starter's orders next Friday when the Barclay Communications Racing Evening takes place.
Dark horse comes under starter's orders
UNDER starter's orders - Netherton signage and advertising specialist TVF Promotions was yesterday putting the finishing touches to its preparations for this weekend's Grand National steeplechase meeting.
Helping National 'dress to impress'
FUNDRAISERS are under starter's orders for a race night and auction in aid of Nuneaton's Mary Ann Evans Hospice.
Put your money on hospice at race night
A CHARITY run which raised more than pounds 18,500 last year is under starter's orders once again.
Charity invite to runners
Another hot contest is likely to be the National Hunt Racing At Ayr Handicap over one mile seven furlongs with a prize fund of pounds 12,000 which will come under starter's orders at 2 pm.
Flat set to bow out on a high
LOCAL and visiting runners will be under starter's orders on Sunday, April 27, for the annual Porthkerry Plod.
Running: Runners invited to participate in Porthkerry Plod