making a flying start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making a flying start" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that begins a task or project with great enthusiasm or success. Example: "With the new marketing strategy in place, the company is making a flying start to the new quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Despite making a flying start to their reply, they were bowled out for 157 to suffer a 68-run defeat.

BBC

Dan Biggar says Ospreys must keep their feet on the ground after making a flying start to the Pro12 season.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She made a flying start by taking on Fifa, with indictments against nine officials.

The Guardian - Opinion

Leeds had already made a flying start on their first challenge - to produce a framework for the way ahead.

The Guardian

Anderson made a flying start but, in the second set, was troubled by a leg injury with Karimov taking advantage.

The Guardian - Sport

He scored 12 for his new side in the second part of the season and he has now made a flying start in the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

Henman lost the first four games against German Nicolas Kiefer in the fourth round but made a flying start against Hrbaty.

The Guardian - Sport

For the first time all tournament it was hot and sunny, the conditions Nadal loves best, and it was the Spaniard who made a flying start.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, the Sheffield woman has made a flying start to her year: as a Doctor of Literature, a Great Britain team captain – oh, yes, and as the proud-as-punch recipient of a "Blue Peter" gold badge.

Independent

The omens are good: if Big Eck's record as a club manager is any guide, he will make a flying start in the job before eventually going downhill.

The Guardian - Sport

Kings XI made a flying start to the chase, albeit a fairly fortunate one as Murali Vijay twice sent edges over the wicketkeeper's head for four with uncontrolled swings.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making a flying start" to emphasize the positive momentum and early success of an endeavor. It's particularly effective when describing the beginning stages of projects, seasons, or careers.

Common error

Avoid using "making a flying start" when the situation requires a more nuanced description of the beginning. This phrase implies immediate and obvious success, so it's not suitable for scenarios where progress is slow or uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making a flying start" functions as an idiom that describes the beginning of an activity or project with considerable success and momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "making a flying start" is a useful idiom for describing beginnings marked by significant success and momentum. While Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, it's essential to use it in contexts where the initial success is evident. Alternatives like "getting off to a good start" or "starting off strong" can be considered for broader applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it's a versatile phrase suitable for various communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting off to a good start

This alternative focuses on the positive beginning but is more generic.

starting off strong

This emphasizes the strength of the initial effort.

having a successful launch

This alternative is more suited when referring to projects or initiatives.

making a promising beginning

This highlights the potential for future success.

hitting the ground running

This suggests immediate productivity and efficiency.

commencing successfully

This is a more formal alternative.

initiating with great success

Emphasizes successful initiation of a project or task.

forging ahead rapidly

Highlights the quick and decisive progress from the beginning.

springing into action effectively

Implies an energetic and efficient start.

starting auspiciously

Implies a fortunate or promising beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "making a flying start" in a sentence?

You can use "making a flying start" to describe someone or something that begins a task or project with great enthusiasm or success. For example, "With the new marketing strategy in place, the company is making a flying start to the new quarter."

What are some alternatives to "making a flying start"?

You can use alternatives like "getting off to a good start", "starting off strong", or "having a successful launch" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "making a flying start" or "getting off to a flying start"?

Both "making a flying start" and "getting off to a flying start" are acceptable, but "making a flying start" is slightly more common. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What does it mean when someone is "making a flying start"?

It means they are beginning something with great energy, enthusiasm, and initial success, indicating a promising outlook for the future.