get off to a flying start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get off to a flying start" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to start something with a lot of energy, success, or enthusiasm. Example: "The new company's marketing campaign got off to a flying start, with record-breaking sales in the first month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Get off to a flying start with a hands-on Owl Encounter at Dalhousie Castle, where you'll fly your very own Hedwig, hopefully minus Howlers.

The Guardian - Travel

Get off to a flying start by laying the groundwork while finishing up your postdoc: Start designing your most immediate experiments as well as those you'll be tackling 5 years from now, prioritize how you'll spend your start-up funds, and remember never to burn your (draw bridges--communication andraw bridges--communicationential.

Science Magazine

For all these reasons, 2016 looks likely to get off to a flying start.

The Guardian

My interview with Courtney Love does not get off to a flying start.

The Guardian - Music

Career success can often be a case of the tortoise and the hare – those that get off to a flying start won't always reach the finish line first".

The Guardian

Then, a 1-1 score turned into a 2-1 loss and City had again failed to get off to a flying start in the competition.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

These alternative structures for labour relations got off to a flying start with a $1.5m cheque from the US embassy.

The Guardian - Business

Eoin Morgan's team got off to a flying start, and their early powerplay charge opened up an ample advantage they were never likely to lose.

Independent

And he said: "We got off to a flying start and it was against Premiership opposition.

BBC

And her boy's team got off to a flying start, taking a two goal lead to stun the visitors.

BBC

Anthony Ogogo's pro career got off to a flying start in Sheffield courtesy of a second-round knockout of Kieron Gray.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get off to a flying start" to describe the initiation of projects, campaigns, or seasons where immediate success or strong momentum is desired. This phrase is particularly effective when the initial phase sets the tone for future outcomes.

Common error

Don't use "get off to a flying start" in contexts where a literal, gradual beginning is more appropriate. This phrase implies a rapid and impressive commencement, so it would be unsuitable for situations requiring a slow build-up or careful planning phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get off to a flying start" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verbal phrase to describe the manner in which something begins. As noted by Ludwig, it indicates a strong and successful commencement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "get off to a flying start" signifies a successful and energetic beginning, often implying rapid progress and positive momentum. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and enjoys common usage. Predominantly found in news and business contexts, it is considered to have a neutral register appropriate for a variety of writing styles. When aiming for greater formality, consider more conservative alternatives. Remember, this expression is most impactful when describing a situation where a rapid and successful commencement is truly desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit the ground running

Implies immediate productivity and efficiency from the start.

start off successfully

This option directly states that the beginning is marked by success.

make a strong start

This alternative focuses on the strength and impact of the beginning.

get underway successfully

Emphasizes the action of beginning smoothly and efficiently.

begin auspiciously

This option emphasizes the favorable or promising nature of the start. It is more formal.

take off rapidly

This phrase emphasizes speed and quick progress from the beginning.

have a head start

This version highlights having an advantage at the beginning.

commence promisingly

A more formal expression indicating a start full of potential.

get going quickly

This alternative is a more straightforward and less idiomatic way of expressing a fast start.

establish a firm foundation

Focuses on building a stable base from the outset, rather than speed.

FAQs

How can I use "get off to a flying start" in a sentence?

You can use "get off to a flying start" to describe a project, career, or initiative that begins very well. For example, "The new marketing campaign got off to a flying start, exceeding all expectations in its first month."

What does it mean to "get off to a flying start"?

To "get off to a flying start" means to begin something with great success, speed, or enthusiasm, immediately establishing positive momentum.

What are some alternatives to "get off to a flying start"?

Some alternatives include "hit the ground running", "make a strong start", or "begin auspiciously", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "get off to a flying start" in formal writing?

While "get off to a flying start" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For very formal writing, consider more staid alternatives such as "commence promisingly".