out of the (gates/blocks)
Meaning(s)
1. to begin something (usu. strongly or with a fast and confident pace)
Popularity
Low
Professional
Low
Social
How to Memorize
when you come out of the gates strong, it serves well in the future
Analysis
The expressions 'straight out of the gates' or 'straight off the blocks' are associated with horseracing or athletics event and mean to go ' right from the beginning' or directly from the start'. Both can be used in social or professional contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I came out of the blocks slowly in my first year of college, but I worked hard throughout the year and got the right results to line me up well for my second year.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- On Black Friday, one of the shops came out of the blocks strong, as their prices were significantly lower than everyone else's.
- The new company are hoping to be first out of the gates this year with their ground-breaking technology.