fire the starting gun
Meaning: To signal the official start of something.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The mayor's speech fired the starting gun on the building work.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: From athletics, where a pistol shot starts a race. The figurative use is common from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- Spanish: dar el pistoletazo de salida — literally: to give the pistol shot of departure
More idioms — Daily Life
- come what may — Whatever happens.
- have plenty left in the tank — To still have energy or resources in reserve.
- willy-nilly — Whether one wants it or not; also, in a disorganized way.
- make oneself scarce — To leave quickly, or to keep out of the way.
- no holds barred — With no rules or restraints.
- jump at the chance — To accept an opportunity eagerly and at once.
More English idioms
- bang one's head against a brick wall — To keep trying something with no result.
- have a whale of a time — To enjoy oneself enormously.
- get off on the right foot — To make a good start.
- turn one's back on someone — To abandon or refuse to help someone.
- one's heart sinks — To feel sudden disappointment or dread.
- a matter of life and death — Something of the greatest possible seriousness.
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