is off to a flying start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is off to a flying start" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that has begun a task or project with great enthusiasm or success. Example: "The new marketing campaign is off to a flying start, generating impressive engagement within the first week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Dressing Room is off to a flying start and what promises to be an extended run.

The New York Times

With its exuberant setting, abundant portions of good Chinese food and reasonable prices, Jani is off to a flying start.

The New York Times

October 11 2013 Limor Tomer's second season as the museum's manager of concerts and lectures is off to a flying start.

The New Yorker

Miami suddenly have a defence that works In what looks like a monumental turnaround for the Miami Dolphins, the new Dan Campbell regime is off to a flying start.

Independent

By all measures, Chinacare is off to a flying start.

Science Magazine

So in other words, this broader initiative is off to a flying start.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Thubron was born in 1939, and with a military attaché father he was always going to be off to a flying start.

The Guardian - Books

We were off to a flying start.

Science Magazine

Whether Gett can reach that goal remains to be seen, but so far he and his team of digital consultants are off to a flying start.

Forbes

Do it well and you're off to a flying start, do it poorly and you could be hobbling along the academic career path.

Science Magazine

The superdelegate project was off to a flying start.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is off to a flying start" to convey immediate success and strong momentum at the beginning of a project, initiative, or endeavor.

Common error

Avoid using "is off to a flying start" for situations that require sustained effort and long-term success, as it primarily highlights the initial phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is off to a flying start" functions as a descriptive idiom. It signifies that an endeavor, project, or initiative has commenced with notable success and momentum. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms the phrase's common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is off to a flying start" is a commonly used idiom to describe a successful and rapid beginning. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. It's best used to highlight initial momentum and optimism, while remembering that it emphasizes the start, not necessarily sustained success. Ludwig's analysis underscores that while generally appropriate, highly formal contexts might benefit from more specific synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is starting strong

Focuses on strength and immediate impact rather than speed.

Is beginning successfully

More formal and general; lacks the vivid imagery of "flying".

Is making a promising start

Highlights potential but lacks the dynamism of the original phrase.

Is getting off on the right foot

Emphasizes correctness and proper procedure at the beginning.

Is hitting the ground running

Focuses on immediate action and efficiency from the start.

Is showing early promise

Highlights potential and future success, but is less dynamic.

Is off to a good start

Simpler and less emphatic, lacks the energy of "flying".

Is commencing auspiciously

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of describing a favorable beginning.

Is inaugurating successfully

More formal and focuses on the initiation aspect.

Is launching effectively

Highlights the act of launching or initiating something with positive results.

FAQs

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

You can use "is off to a flying start" to describe something that began with great success, such as "The new business "is off to a flying start" after securing several major clients in its first month".

What does it mean when something "is off to a flying start"?

It means that something has begun very successfully and quickly, suggesting a promising future.

What can I say instead of "is off to a flying start"?

You can use alternatives like "is starting strong", "is beginning successfully", or "is making a promising start".

Is "is off to a flying start" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral, suitable for both news reports and less formal contexts, though perhaps not ideal for highly academic or scientific writing. In these specific contexts more formal synonyms may be more appropriated.