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单词 start
释义
start1 verbstart2 noun
startstart1 /stɑːt $ stɑːrt/ ●●● S1 W1 verb Entry menu
MENU FOR startstart1 begin doing something2 begin happening3 begin in a particular way4 business/organization5 job/school6 car/engine etc7 begin going somewhere8 life/profession9 road/river/path etc10 prices/amounts11 start from scratch/zero12 deliberately begin something13 to start with14 be back where you started15 sports16 start a family17 start afresh/anew18 somebody started it!19 start something/anything20 move suddenly21 start young22 don’t (you) start!Phrasal verbsstart backstart instart offstart on somebody/somethingstart outstart overstart up
Word Origin
WORD ORIGINstart1
Origin:
Old English styrtan ‘to jump’
Verb Table
VERB TABLE
start
Simple Form
PresentI, you, we, theystart
he, she, itstarts
PastI, you, he, she, it, we, theystarted
Present perfectI, you, we, theyhave started
he, she, ithas started
Past perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theyhad started
FutureI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill start
Future perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill have started
Continuous Form
PresentIam starting
he, she, itis starting
you, we, theyare starting
PastI, he, she, itwas starting
you, we, theywere starting
Present perfectI, you, we, theyhave been starting
he, she, ithas been starting
Past perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theyhad been starting
FutureI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill be starting
Future perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill have been starting
Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • A 'safe neighbourhood' campaign has been started by local residents.
  • A group of women in the neighborhood have started an investment club.
  • Adding acid to the test tube starts a chemical process which leads to the formation of crystals.
  • Halfway through the performance, she started to feel a little faint.
  • Have you started that book yet?
  • I'm starting a new job next week.
  • I've just started learning German.
  • Investigators still aren't sure what started the fire.
  • It is thought that the avalanche was started by a small rock-fall on the higher slopes.
  • It sounds like an exciting job. When do you start?
  • It was getting dark so we started looking for a place to stay the night.
  • Outside, it was starting to rain.
  • The police have already started an investigation.
  • The referee couldn't start the game because there were fans on the field.
  • We'll have to start early if we want to get to Grandma's by lunchtime.
  • We can't start until Carol gets here.
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • A.. We are going to start a trade paperback line in the spring of 1997.
  • He could not argue that, if he was not allowed to start his new job, he would starve.
  • I started my descent about a mile away and a thousand feet high.
  • I think I was about nineteen when I started taking drugs.
  • It was starting to sound very familiar.
  • The 1.85-mile track would be lined by five grandstands with a capacity for 150,000, and racing would start in 1995.
  • We have decided to start with the basics.
Thesaurus
THESAURUSto start doing something
to begin doing something: · I’m starting a new job next week.· It’s time we started.
to start doing something.Begin is more formal than start, and is used especially in written English: · He began to speak.· The orchestra began playing.· Shall we begin?
formal to start doing something: · The company will commence drilling next week.· Work was commenced on the next power station.
to finally start doing something, especially your work: · Come on, Sam – it’s time you got down to some homework.· We’d better get down to business.
to start a journey: · What time do you have to set off in the morning?· I usually set off for work at about 8.30.
to start a long journey: · The ship set out from Portsmouth on July 12th.
especially written to start something, especially something new, difficult, or exciting: · The Law Society has embarked on a major programme of reform.· Jamaica was embarking on a decade of musical creativity.
formal to start doing something again after stopping it or being interrupted: · Normal train services will be resumed on April 5th.· Trade was resumed after the end of the war.
informal to start doing something or going somewhere: · I think we should get cracking straightaway.
to start happening
to begin: · What time does the film start?
to start. Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: · · The trial began in March.· Work on the new bridge will begin early next year.
to start being shown to the public – used about a play, show, or exhibition: · Lloyd Webber’s new musical opened in London last week.· A major exhibition of her work will open in New York in November.
formal to start happening: · The voting has already commenced.· The work is scheduled to commence in April.
to start happening or being done – used especially about something that is likely to last a long time: · Construction work is getting under way on a new train network.· Discussions concerning the plan got under way on April 2.
to start happening – used especially about a fire, a fight, war, or a disease: · Police were called in when fighting broke out in the crowd.· The blaze broke out on the third floor of the hotel.
informal to start – used especially about a football game or a meeting: · The match is due to kick off this afternoon at Wembley Stadium.· What time will the celebrations kick off?
Longman Language Activatorto start doing something
· We can't start until Carol gets here.· I'm starting a new job next week.· Have you started that book yet? (=started reading it)start doing something · I've just started learning German.· It was getting dark so we started looking for a place to stay the night.start to do something · Halfway through the performance, she started to feel a little faint.· Outside, it was starting to rain.
to start doing something. Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: · Once the children were quiet, the teacher began.· They began their holiday in Italy, and then went on to Greece.begin to do something: · More and more people are beginning to do their shopping on-line.· "What do you mean?" she said, beginning to laugh.begin doing something: · The audience suddenly began shouting and cheering.
to finally start doing something, especially work, after you have been avoiding doing it or after something has prevented you from doing it: · Come on Sam - it's time you got down to some homework.get down to to doing something: · When the summer comes, we must get down to painting the outside of the house.get down to business: · OK, can everyone take a seat now, and we'll get down to business.
to start a piece of work that will take a fairly long time: · The exam was almost over and I hadn't even started on question 3.· It was time to start on all those little jobs around the house that he'd been putting off.· We can't start on the building work until planning permission comes through.
to start a long and fairly difficult piece of work, especially in an energetic and determined way: · Philip set about the task with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm.· Why don't we set to work really early, and try to get it finished in one day?set about/set to work doing something: · If there is a serious problem, it's far better to admit it and set about tackling it.set to work to do something: · Workmen had already set to work to clear the fallen trees.set to work on something: · Once in power, the government set to work on major reforms to the tax system.
to start doing something after you have finished doing something else: · Martin marched into the shop and proceeded to hurl abuse at the girl behind the counter.· After listening carefully to my advice, she proceeded to do the exact opposite!
to start doing something after a delay or interruption that has stopped you giving it your full attention: · After lunch the children settled down to finish their science projects.settle down to to doing something: · It was two o'clock before I could finally settle down to writing the next chapter.
to suddenly start a long speech or story, especially if you are criticizing something or giving an entertaining description of something: · Annie arrived late and immediately launched into a lengthy description of the terrible traffic on the roads.· At that point the young man stood up and launched into a passionate party-political speech.
to start a large piece of work or an important activity, especially one that will be difficult or will take a long time: · In the 1950s China embarked on a massive program of industrialization and mechanization.· After leaving his office job, he embarked upon a highly successful writing career.
to gradually start to like, fear, expect etc something over a period of time: · Rowling's latest book is full of all the magic and excitement that her young readers have come to expect.· At first I thought he was a bit strange, but I grew to like and respect him over the years.· My teacher said that this wasn't the kind of work that she'd come to expect of me.
spoken informal to start doing something immediately, because you are in a hurry or there is a lot to do: · Come on! - get cracking. I want this whole house clean by the time I get back.· You'd better get cracking if you want to get to the airport by ten.
to start an activity, job, speech etc by doing the first part of it
to do something as the first part of an activity or job: start by/begin by doing something: · There were two interviewers and they began by asking me questions about my last job.· When you're drawing a face, you should start by trying to imagine the bones underneath.
to think about, introduce, or deal with something as the first part of an activity: · If I were you, I'd start with the easy questions.· The lecturer began with a short account of the history of the UN.· Decorating the place was a huge job, and we started with the kitchen and the hall.
to start something such as a meeting or discussion by introducing a subject or speaking first: · Is there anyone here who would like to lead off the debate?· The Chief Executive led off by pointing out that a merger was only one option.lead off with: · We asked the sales director to lead off with the latest sales figures.
informal to do something as the first part of an activity or an event such as a party or a concert: · Let's kick off with an Indian meal somewhere, and go on to a club after that.kick off something with something: · Phelps kicked off an outstanding night's music with a beautifully played Mozart Symphony.
to be the person who starts something
to be the first one to do something in a situation where both sides feel nervous, embarrassed, angry etc: · I'd always been attracted to her, but I was too shy to make the first move.make the first move to do something: · The employees made the first move to end the strike.
to be the first one to do something in a situation, especially when you think people are being silly because they are waiting for someone else to do it first: · Everyone was standing around in silence, so I took the initiative and tried to explain why we had come.· The disarmament talks failed because neither side was prepared to risk taking the initiative.
to start a journey
to start a long journey or start going somewhere, especially if your journey has been planned or has a special purpose: · What time do you have to set off in the morning?· We had meant to set out before lunch but nobody was ready to leave.set off/set out towards/along/in the direction of etc: · Packing herself a couple of sandwiches, she set off along the cliff path.· The weather had been fine on the morning that the climbers set out up the last part of the mountain.set off/set out for: · My mother was only twenty when she married my father and set off for Addis Ababa.set off/set out from: · The Royal Navy set out from Portsmouth on July 13th.set off/set out to do: · Columbus set out to discover America in the fifteenth century.
to start a journey to a particular place: · When are you starting for Seattle?· It was already dark by the time we started for home.
to start moving away from a place where you have been, especially if you are driving a car, riding a bicycle etc: · Before starting off you should check that your seat and mirrors are properly adjusted.start off along/towards/down etc: · The riders got back on their horses and started off along the track again.
informal to start a journey: · It's time we hit the road.· The group will be hitting the road again in the new year, in order to promote their new album.
informal to start a journey or start going somewhere, especially when you are late or when there has been a delay: · Let's get going now or we'll miss the train.· The coach was supposed to leave at 10:30 but we eventually got going at 3 o'clock.· Get going, you two! Didn't you hear the school bell?
to start doing something regularly
to start doing something that you then do regularly. Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: start/begin doing something: · I started going to the gym two years ago.· She was only 16 when she began seeing Alan.start/begin to do something: · His parents got divorced last year - that's when he started to take drugs.
to become interested in a sport or activity, and start to spend time doing it: · When did Bryan take up golf?· Your pictures are so good - you could take up painting as a profession.
to start doing something dangerous or illegal: · Hal turned to drinking after his wife and kids were killed in a car crash.· Research shows that young people without jobs are most likely to turn to crime.
to start doing something frequently, especially something that is annoying or worrying : · There's a big ginger cat that's taken to coming in our house at night.· My daughter took to spending hours alone in her room, only coming downstairs for meals.
to start to do something so often that it becomes a habit: · I only used to have one or two cigarettes, but then I got into the habit of it.get into the habit of of doing something: · Try to get into the habit of planning your work at the beginning of the day.
to help or encourage someone to start doing something new
to make someone start doing something or start enjoying something, by telling them about it or showing it to them: · Her father introduced her to rock 'n' roll when she was a little girl.introduce somebody to doing something: · It was my sports teacher who first introduced me to skiing.
to give someone the chance to do something for the first time, especially something unusual or complicated: · People come to me to be initiated into meditation, as a way of handling stress.· He tried to initiate her into the mysteries of Chinese cooking.
to make someone start doing something regularly, especially because it will be good for them: · Most parents start their babies on solid foods when they are about 4 months old.· The doctor said that he wants to start Dad on a special low-cholesterol diet.
to start doing something again in a better way
to start doing something again from the beginning, because you want to do it better or differently from before: · I see the new job as a chance to start afresh.· The money we won made it possible for us to pay off all our debts and make a new start.· He's determined to make a fresh start when he gets out of prison.
American to go back to the beginning of something and start again: · If you make a keying error, just delete it and start over.· In 1960 the family fled the island of Cuba and, like many others, started over in Miami.
to start doing something successfully
· I haven't finished all my Christmas shopping yet but I've made a good start.· Chelsea got off to a good start with a victory over Southampton on the first day of the season.
to start doing something very successfully: · Kate's got off to a flying start. She was promoted twice in the first six months.
to start doing something unsuccessfully
· I got off to a bad start at the interview by spilling my coffee all over my notes.· The senator got off to a bad start, twice forgetting the name of the town he was in.
to start something such as a relationship or job and be unsuccessful at the beginning, for example by unintentionally making people upset or angry: · What should I wear on my first day? I don't want to start off on the wrong foot.· John seems to have got off on the wrong foot with Angela -- she won't even speak to him.
an unsuccessful attempt to start doing something such as a piece of work or a plan: · After a number of false starts, the Channel Tunnel between England and France finally went ahead in the late 80s.
to start happening
begin is more formal than start , and is used especially in written English: · Do you know what time our first class starts?· My day starts at 5 or 6 o'clock, when the baby wakes up.· The movie was just beginning when Richard and James arrived.· Work on the new bridge will begin next year.
if a play or show opens , it starts being shown to the public: · Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical will open later this year.· A permanent exhibition of Moore's work will open next year.
informal if a planned event such as a game or a meeting kicks off , it starts: · If the meeting kicks off on time, we should be finished by 12 o'clock.kick off with: · The carnival kicked off with a wonderful firework display.
to start to exist
if something such as an organization or a country comes into being or into existence , it starts to exist: · Pakistan came into existence as an independent country in 1947.· Darwin's theory of evolution explains how different species came into being.
to suddenly start to exist in a very short period of time: · Dozens of websites have sprung up to provide information for travelers.· New dot.com companies are springing up all the time.
if something such as a problem, a difficulty, or an argument arises , it appears or starts, usually as a result of something else happening: · When a conflict arises in the workplace, you should aim to repair the relationship as quickly as possible.arise from/out of: · Low achievement at school often arises from poverty and bad social conditions.if/when/should etc the need arise (=if etc it becomes necessary): · All staff are expected to do some overtime, if the need arises.
if an important idea, group, or organization is born , it starts to exist - use this especially when you are describing the history of something: : · With the invention of the electric guitar, rock 'n' roll was born.· Picasso was painting pictures in a Cubist style long before the Cubist movement was born.
when something new starts to exist or be used: · The arrival of the railroads after the Civil War produced a huge building boom in California.· the arrival of gene technology
when something bad starts to happen
to start happening - use this about unpleasant things like fires, wars, or diseases: · A fire broke out on the top floor of the building.· Late last night, fighting broke out between gangs of rival football fans.
when something unpleasant starts happening, such as a fire, war, or disease: · Thousands of people died as the result of this latest cholera outbreak.outbreak of: · There's been an outbreak of food poisoning at the hotel.· The system started to operate in late 1914, a few months after the outbreak of war in Europe.
if fighting, violence etc erupts , it starts very suddenly: · A fight over a game of cards had erupted in the corner of the bar.· Massive and often violent protests erupted across the country.· Gang violence can erupt for no apparent reason.
if something bad sets in , for example bad weather or an illness, it starts and seems likely to continue: · It looks as if the rain has set in for the day.· The doctors operated immediately to prevent any infection setting in.· Worldwide economic recession set in during the early 1980s.
to make something start happening
to make something start happening: · The police have already started an investigation.· The referee couldn't start the game because there were fans on the field.· A 'safe neighbourhood' campaign has been started by local residents.
: launch an attack/appeal/inquiry etc to start a public or military activity, when there is a clear aim that you want to achieve: · Rebel forces launched an attack on the capital.· Police are launching a major murder inquiry.· The local hospital has launched a campaign to raise money for new X-ray equipment.
: open an investigation/inquiry to start an official process of gathering information about a particular problem, in order to find out what caused it or to find a solution: · Police have opened an investigation into the girl's disappearance.· The Football Association are to open an inquiry into recent crowd trouble.
formal to start something such as an official process or discussion about something important: · Peace talks have been initiated in an attempt to avert full scale war.· The couple plan to initiate legal proceedings against the police.
to make something happen, especially something serious, difficult, or important: · The murder sparked off a wave of protests in the city.· Recent freak weather conditions have sparked off renewed fears about the effects of global warming.
also set into motion American to start a process or series of events that will continue for a long time even if you take no further action: · A few months later the divorce procedure was set in motion.· The government had already set into motion a series of reforms.· Wait's actions had set in motion a chain of events that would eventually result in his dismissal.
informal to start a meeting, discussion, event etc by doing something in order to encourage other people to take part in it as well: · Mark stood up and asked the first question to get the ball rolling.· To start the ball rolling, the government was asked to contribute £50,000 to the new charity.
to make a process start by doing or arranging the first part of it, after which it will become easier: · Change is certainly needed and the new headteacher needs to get things moving quickly.· Once we got things moving, the deal went through very quickly.
spoken use this to say that you now want to start something that you have been planning: · Are you all packed and ready? Right, let's get this show on the road.· We're having another meeting next week, hopefully to really get this show on the road.
to officially start a new system, method, rule etc
to officially start a new system, method, or rule for the first time: · The company is thinking of introducing medical tests for all employees.· New safety measures will be introduced next month.· The city authorities are bringing in new parking regulations next month.
to introduce a new law or rule gradually, over a fairly long period of time: · The new technology will be phased in over a five year period.· In an attempt to reduce opposition to its tax reforms, the government plans to phase them in gradually.
if a new law or system comes into effect or comes into operation , it starts to be used officially: · The new law came into effect in 1991.· Eventually a ban on the sale of fireworks to children came into operation.
to start a new business or organization
to start a new business or organization: · Luigi's family came here in 1966 and started up a chain of restaurants.· John decided to start his own textile business shortly after the war.
to start a business that provides services to the public, such as a shop, restaurant, or hotel: · They just opened a new supermarket on Van Nuys Boulevard.· The rail company plans to open several new lines over the next five years.
to start a new business by making all the necessary arrangements, buying equipment etc: · Kate and her partner are setting up their own printing business.set up in business (=to start to run your own business): · The Enterprise Center runs courses for people who want to set up in business on their own.set up as: · Dad set up as a builder in 1990 and now he employs over twenty men.
to start an important organization that is intended to be permanent, or that continues for a very long time: · The company was established in 1899.· Most of the money will be used to establish local industries and mobilize the work-force.
to start an organization, school, hospital etc, especially by providing the money for it - use this especially about something that was started a long time ago: · Who originally founded the college?· The bank was founded 60 years ago in Munich.
formal the start of an organization, institution, or programme: · Within a few years of its inception, the charity was involved in aid projects all around the world.· Not long after their inception, the welfare programs were under attack.
when something starts a natural process
· Investigators still aren't sure what started the fire.· It is thought that the avalanche was started by a small rock-fall on the higher slopes.· Adding acid to the test tube starts a chemical process which leads to the formation of crystals.
to start a natural process, especially one that will continue for a fairly long time - used especially in scientific contexts : · The process is activated by sunlight.· In certain rare circumstances, these vaccines could activate disease.
to start a natural process, usually accidentally and with the result that it is difficult to stop it: · In 1992, tidal waves set off by a strong earthquake killed around 2000 people.· The splitting of an atom sets off an explosive chain reaction.
to start an old law, custom, system etc after a long time
to start using a custom, system, law etc again, that was used in the past but then stopped: · Do you think they should bring back the death penalty?· They're talking about bringing back formal grammar teaching.
to start using a law or system again after you had previously stopped using it: · Many people think that student grants should be reintroduced.· They are reintroducing English as the official language in schools throughout the country.
to start or strengthen something such as an old practice, custom, or idea after it had begun to disappear, so that it becomes popular again: · a campaign to revive the tradition of holding a two-minute silence on Armistice Day· They are planning to revive the old Saint's Day parades through town.
to introduce an old law, rule etc that had been completely stopped: · The earlier restrictions on currency exchange have now been restored.
to start an old practice, custom, system etc again after it has not existed for a long time, especially because you think that a changed situation makes it necessary or useful again: · Old theories about the origin of the universe have recently been resurrected.· There's a growing drive to resurrect the ancient woodland tradition of charcoal burning.
starting to happen after now or after a particular time
also from here on (out) American use this to talk about a new arrangement that is going to start now and then continue in the future: · You'll be working with me from now on.· From here on out I'll come to every meeting, I promise.· From now on Neil is responsible for publicity and marketing.
: from tomorrow/next week etc use this to say that a new rule or arrangement will start at a particular time and will continue from then: · As of the first of July, all back seat passengers must wear seat belts.· The new timetable will come into effect from January 2003.· Starting today Miss Carey will be in charge of the Sales Department.
after a particular time or date: · I'm busy right now. Could you come back sometime after 4 o'clock?· After 1800, more and more people worked in factories.just after (=a short time after): · If they left just after twelve, they should be here soon.
used when a situation starts to exist after something happens, especially if the situation is caused by what has happened: · He found out that I had lied to him, and after that he never trusted me again.· The company started a big new advertising campaign, and business really improved after that.· I'm going to help you for the first two weeks, but after that you'll be working on your own.
use this to talk about something that starts to happen at a time in the past or future, and continues from that time: · The latest sunrise of the winter is Friday; from then on, the dark winter mornings get brighter earlier .· He went to his first football game when he was four, and from then on he was crazy about it.
formal after that - used especially in written instructions, rules, or agreements: · The plants should be watered every day for the first week and twice a week thereafter.· On retirement each employee will receive a lump sum of £10,000 and a regular annual pension thereafter.
also gone British: past 3 o'clock/midnight etc use this when someone is late for something, or when something happens at a later time than it should happen or usually happens: · When we got home it was gone midnight.· We have to get you home. It's past your bedtime.
to deliberately start an argument
· I didn't want to start an argument, so I kept quiet.
also pick a quarrel British to deliberately start an argument with someone by saying something that you know will make them angry: · Just ignore him, he's always picking fights.pick a fight with: · Burton was at the bar, trying to pick a quarrel with a stranger.
to deliberately do or say something to make other people argue because you want to cause problems for them: · Just as we were beginning to get on with each other again, Jackie came and stirred things up.· Ignore him -- he's just trying to stir things up because he's jealous.
especially spoken to argue about something because you think it is important, even though other people may think you are being unreasonable: · I don't want to make an issue out of it, but that's the second time you've been late this week.· Although she was annoyed that Ian had given her secret away, she decided not to make an issue of it.
at the beginning
· At the start it looked as though Italy would win, but Argentina improved as the game went on.· She was nervous at the beginning but she settled down as she got further into her speech.at the beginning/start of · We pay our rent at the beginning of the month.· For homework tonight, start at the beginning of chapter three and read up to page 98.· At the start of the century, barely 3% of the population was literate.
use this to say what happened at the beginning, especially when something different happened later. Initially is more formal than at first: · Barney was quiet at first, but gradually he became more confident.· At first I didn't think Nancy and I would get along.· They offered her the job, initially on a temporary basis but later as a full member of the staff.
especially spoken use this to talk about what happens at the beginning, especially when something different may happen later: · Our employees receive health benefits and $28,000 a year to start with.· Even children who are healthy to begin with wouldn't survive long in these terrible conditions.
at the beginning - use this to talk about the situation at the time in the past when something first started: · Originally, they told me I was only going to work 35 hours a week.· Two hundred people showed up for the wedding, about 50 more than we originally planned.
formal if something is known, believed, decided etc at the outset , it is known etc from the very earliest point in a period of time or activity: · Sylvia knew at the outset what her ultimate goals were.· It had been decided at the outset that Theresa would be our spokesperson.
starting and finishing
to do the actions that will allow you to begin using a computer system, for example by typing a special word or giving a particular command: · Log on to our website and find out about the latest travel deals to the Far East.
to do the actions you have to do when you finish using a computer system: · When I logged off, the whole system froze up.
if you start up a computer, or it starts up , you turn it on: · The anti-virus icon should appear whenever you start up your computer.
if a computer boots up , it becomes ready to use by getting all the programs it needs into its memory. If you boot up a computer, you turn it on so that it is ready to use: · Just wait a couple of minutes while the computer boots up.
if you reboot a computer, or if it reboots , you make it turn itself off and then back on again, especially because it has not been working correctly: · If a program crashes you usually have to reboot the computer.
if you shut a computer down or it shuts down , you turn it off: · I'm always forgetting to shut down my computer before I go home.
the name that you type into a computer, system, website etc. before typing your password: · Please enter your username and password.
a series of secret letters or numbers that you must type into a computer before you can use a system or a program: · Don't let anyone know your password.
to start doing something again
to start doing something again, especially something bad that you had decided not to do: · She's quit smoking four or five times, but she always starts again.start doing something again: · He started drinking again when he lost his job.start to do something again: · She attended school regularly for a while, then started to miss classes again.start that again: · "I didn't do it!" "Oh, don't start that again. I saw you."
to start behaving in a particular way again, after you had decided not to or when you are not supposed to; revert is more formal than go back to: · I went to a school where we had to speak French all the time, but outside school hours I reverted to English.· He's been in the hospital a couple of times, but he keeps going back to drinking. (=starts drinking alcohol again)go back to/revert to doing something: · Do you think she'll go back to using drugs?· We go home for Christmas and revert to being children again.
to gradually start doing something bad again after you had stopped, because you are not determined enough to prevent yourself from doing it: · Children will often slip back into babyish ways to get what they want.slip back into doing something: · to slip back into having a few drinks after work
to continue doing something after stopping
if you continue doing something, or it continues, it starts again after stopping: · After a while the rain stopped, allowing the game to continue.· He has decided to go back to Cambridge to continue his medical studies.· The tour continued after a rest day in Bordeaux.continue doing something: · Have a rest before you continue driving.· He's not sure whether he'll be able to continue skiing competitively after the operation.
to start again , continuing the same thing that you were doing before you stopped, or continuing to happen in the same way as before: · He stopped exercising after the injury, but recently he's started again.start something again: · I've had a good vacation and I'm not exactly looking forward to starting work again.start doing something again: · After a two-week rest I was ready to start running again.· Billy was afraid to say anything in case she started crying again.start to do something again: · Marian stared through the window. It was starting to snow again.
also carry on British to continue doing something after stopping for a short time: · Occasionally he would stop writing, read through what he had written, and then go on.· It's one o'clock now. Shall we carry on after lunch?go on/carry on doing something: · After a short break for coffee, they went on working until 3 o'clock.· She decided to carry on working after having the baby.go on with: · Let's stop now. We'll go on with this tomorrow.· As soon as Mr Saunders gets back, we'll carry on with the meeting.
to start doing a particular job again after a period when you were doing something else. Return to is more formal than go back to: · Melanie made herself a cup of tea and then went back to her reading.· Some mothers return to full-time work only a few weeks after their baby is born.go back to/return to doing something: · If he can't get work as an actor, he can always go back to being an electrician.
formal if you resume something or it resumes , it continues after a pause or interruption: · Collins was so seriously injured that he was unable to resume his career.· The jurors are anxious to resume their normal lives again.resume doing something: · He said no more, and resumed reading his newspaper.
to start doing something such as a sport or activity again after a long period of time when you were not doing it: take something up again: · I stopped playing the guitar when I was fifteen, but now I'd like to take it up again.take up something again: · Now that I don't have to work in the evenings, I'd like to take up sketching again.
to start something again at exactly the same point where you stopped: · After a long absence I went back to college, hoping to pick up where I'd left off.· The team has picked up where they left off last spring.· Negotiators will meet again after the holidays and take up where they left off.
if someone reopens a formal discussion, trial etc, or it reopens , it starts again after stopping, especially because new information has been found: · The two sides are prepared to reopen peace talks.· The action is likely to reopen debates about affirmative action.· Police have decided to reopen the investigation in the light of important new evidence.
to start to do something again - use this especially about activities done by governments and military organizations: · The rebels waited until nightfall to renew their attack on the city.· Iceland has no immediate plans to renew commercial whaling.
to start to cry
· Jim turned away from me and started to cry.· "I want Daddy to come home," Anna said, starting to cry.· Just at that moment, the baby started crying.
to suddenly start to cry because you are upset about something: · Laura burst into tears and ran out of the room.
to suddenly start to cry a lot, after trying not to cry: · I broke down when he'd gone, knowing that I might never see him again.break down and cry: · As the funeral service began, Frances broke down and cried.break down in tears: · All the worry and anxiety had been too much for her, and she suddenly broke down in tears.
British informal to deliberately start to cry in order to get someone's sympathy or persuade them to do something: · She was one of those people who could turn on the waterworks in order to get what they want.
to start a fight
· Don't talk to him -- he's just trying to start a fight.· The fight was started by a group of English football fans.
to deliberately start a fight with someone, especially by arguing with them or saying rude things to them: · Some of the students regularly try to pick fights in the playground.pick a fight with: · I walked into the bar and some drunk tried to pick a fight with me.
to want to get rid of angry or violent feelings by fighting or trying to start a fight: · When he's drunk , he gets violent and starts looking for a fight.· The other driver came at me, obviously spoiling for a fight.· He's not the kind of guy that goes into a bar itching for a fight.
to make or start a fire
· He made a fire out of old rags and newspapers.· There isn't enough wood here to build a fire.
to deliberately make a fire start burning, especially in order to provide heat or to cook something: · It was her job to light a fire every morning before the family got up.· In such a strong wind it was almost impossible to light a fire.
to make a fire start burning, especially in a place where it might cause damage: · The kids accidentally started a fire in the garage.· The fire was started by a carelessly tossed cigarette.
the crime of deliberately starting a fire in order to damage a building or property: · Police are treating the fire as a case of arson.· Brooks was arrested for arson in North Carolina.
when something is the first thing you want to say
spoken say this to introduce the first fact, reason, or question, when you are going to mention several more things: · I wanted to change schools, firstly because I didn't like the teacher and secondly because it was too far away.· First, may I say that I am extremely grateful for the trust my colleagues have put in me.· African leaders are worried, firstly about the official flow of aid, and also about levels of private investment.
spoken say this when the reason you are giving first is the most important one: · Freddy, first of all, I didn't flirt with him. He flirted with me.· I called the book "Drum Planet" because first of all, there are drums in every culture.
spoken say this when your reason or fact is the most easy to see or understand: · To start with, one of the biggest problems in the classroom is that the kids don't get enough discipline at home.· Working at home is a good option, because, to begin with, what's the point of driving two hours a day just to sit in front of a computer?
also for a start British spoken say this when you are arguing or discussing something with someone and you are going to give the main reason that proves that what you are saying is true: · In the first place, they have a more experienced team, so they're more likely to win.· We haven't made a decision, because, in the first place, we do not know enough at this point.· For a start, someone's sex should not matter in a job interview.
spoken say this when you are going to say something before you start the main part of a speech or talk to a group of people: · Before I start, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.· All right, before I start, could everyone please stand up and introduce themselves.
not having a lot of decoration or things added
all the time from a time, date, year or event in the past until now: · I've had this car since 1992.· She hasn't had a night out since she had the baby.· The turkey must be done by now - it's been in the oven since 11 o'clock.· I saw her early this morning, but I haven't seen her since.since when (=how long?): · Since when have you had a computer?since doing something: · Since leaving the army, he's spent most of his time looking for a job.since then: · He arrived in Hollywood back in 1952. Since then he's appeared in over 100 movies.
since a time, date, or event a long time ago: · I've been getting these pains in my back ever since I fell down the stairs.· He's been acting different ever since his arrest.· Joan had been an early riser ever since she was a child.· Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to be a dancer.· Matt moved to San Francisco in 1984 to go to medical school, and he's been there ever since.ever since then: · I started an exercise program five years ago, and ever since then I've felt a lot better.
during the whole of a period of time until now: · Omar's been studying English for two years now.· We've been waiting here for over two hours!· Daniel's been complaining of a stomach ache for a couple of days.for a while (=for a fairly long time): · I hadn't seen Tim for a while, and I was surprised by how much weight he'd gained.
continuously after a particular time in the past: · From the first time we met, I knew we would be good friends.right from: · Timmy Connell has been a problem in class right from the beginning of term.from then on (=from a time already mentioned): · We had a big fight that fall, and from then on he never treated me the same.
continuously after an exact time or important event in the past: · Benson became chairman of the company on October 12th, and starting from that day things have steadily improved.
to switch something on
to make something start working, for example by pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, for example lights, televisions, or computers: switch on something: · Will you switch on the television?· I switched on the radio to listen to the news.switch something on: · Do you mind if I switch the light on?· Exhaust fumes come into the car when I switch on the air conditioner.
to make something start working, for example by turning a tap or pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, gas, or water: turn on something: · He went into the bathroom and turned on the shower.· Use timers to turn on indoor lights while you are away.turn something on: · Do you want me to turn the lights on?
to make a light, radio etc start working: put the light/radio/TV/kettle etc on: · Eva put the kettle on to make a cup of coffee.· Put the light on, then we can see what we're doing.· It was so cold I put the heating back on.
also start up to make a car, engine, machine etc start working: · She started the car and backed slowly out of the garage.· Clean or replace the air filter before attempting to start the engine.
: get a car/engine/machine etc started/going to succeed in making a car etc start after having some difficulty: · I couldn't get my car started this morning.· He rebuilt the engine and finally got it going.· It took the repairman an hour to get the washing machine going again.
to do something to make a piece of equipment that warns you about something start: set off something: · Someone accidentally set off the fire alarm.· Smoke alarms can be set off by smoke from cigarettes, cooking, and fireplaces.set something off: · The alarm is so sensitive that the slightest movement will set it off.
to make a system start operating - use this especially in technical contexts: · The bomb's firing mechanism is activated by a time-clock.· The smoke activated the sprinkler system.
to make a clock, toy, or other machine that does not have a power supply start moving: · Mr Carey wound up the old clock and gently set the pendulum going.· She pulled the lever that set the pump going and waited for the water.
to press a button which makes a machine start: · What happens when you press this button?· Somebody pushed the alarm button.
to pull a large control that switches on the electricity supply to something: · The Speaker of the House threw the switch for the Christmas tree lights in front of the Capitol building.
WORD SETS
ABS, nounacceleration, nounaccelerator, nounairbag, nounambulance, nounantifreeze, nounanti-lock braking system, nounaquaplane, verbarmoured car, nounarticulated, adjectiveauto, nounautomatic, nounautomatic transmission, nounautomobile, nounaxle, nounbackfire, verbback seat, nounbanger, nounbeater, nounbeep, verbbike, nounbiker, nounblind spot, nounblow, verbblowout, nounbody, nounbodywork, nounbonnet, nounbookmobile, nounboot, nounboot, verbbreakdown truck, nounbrights, nounbroadside, verbbulldozer, nounbumper, nounbumper sticker, nounbus, nounbus, verbbus pass, nounbus station, nouncab, nouncab rank, nouncabriolet, nouncabstand, nounCadillac, nouncar, nouncar alarm, nouncarburettor, nouncar park, nouncar pool, nouncarport, nouncarrier, nouncar wash, nounCaterpillar, nouncentral locking, nounchange, verbcharabanc, nounchoke, nounclamp, nounclunker, nouncoach station, nouncoachwork, nouncockpit, nouncompact, nouncompany car, nounconvertible, nouncorner, verbcoupé, nouncourtesy, adjectivecover note, nouncrack-up, nouncrankshaft, nouncrash helmet, nouncruise, verbcruise control, nouncruiser, nouncycle, noundashboard, noundefog, verbdefrost, verbdemist, verbdepot, noundesignated driver, noundiesel, noundiesel fuel, noundifferential gear, noundipstick, noundirt bike, noundirt track, noundisc brakes, noundisengage, verbdismount, verbdistributor, noundouble-decker, noundouble-park, verbdrag race, noundragster, noundrink-driving, noundrive, verbdrive, noundriver, noundriver's education, noundriver's license, noundrive shaft, noundrive-through, noundriving licence, noundriving school, noundriving test, noundrunk driving, noundump truck, noundune buggy, noundust cart, nounemergency brake, nounestate car, nounexcavator, nounexpress, nounfan belt, nounfare, nounfender, nounfender-bender, nounfiller cap, nounfilling station, nounfilter, nounfilter, verbfin, nounfire, verbfire engine, nounfirst gear, nounfishtail, verbflat, adjectiveflat, nounfloorboard, nounfog lamp, nounfour-star, nounfour-wheel drive, nounfreewheel, verbfuel injection, nounfull lock, noungarage, noungarage, verbgarbage truck, noungas-guzzler, noungasohol, noungasoline, noungas pedal, noungas station, noungear, noungearbox, noungear lever, noungear shift, noungear stick, nounglove compartment, noungo-cart, noungo-kart, noungreen light, noungrille, noungritter, nounguardrail, nounhack, nounhackney carriage, nounhandbrake, nounhandlebars, nounhatchback, nounhaulage, nounhazard lights, nounheadlamp, nounheadlight, nounheadroom, nounheap, nounhearse, nounheavy goods vehicle, nounHGV, nounhigh beams, nounhigh-octane, adjectiveHighway Code, nounhijacking, nounhit-and-run, adjectivehitchhike, verbhonk, nounhonk, verbhood, nounhoot, nounhoot, verbhopped-up, adjectivehorsebox, nounhorse trailer, nounhot rod, nounhot-wire, verbhubcap, nounhydroplane, verbignition, nounindicate, verbindicator, nouninner tube, nouninternal combustion engine, nounjack-knife, verbjalopy, nounJeep, nounjuggernaut, nounjump, verbjumper cables, nounjump leads, nounjump-start, verbkickstand, nounkick-start, verbkick-start, nounKlaxon, nounlead-free, adjectivelearner's permit, nounleft-hand drive, adjectivelicense plate, nounlight, nounlimo, nounlimousine, nounlocal, nounlock, verblock, nounlog book, nounlorry, nounlow gear, nounL-plate, nounmagneto, nounmanifold, nounmechanic, nounmeter maid, nounmileage, nounmileometer, nounmilk float, nounminibus, nounminicab, nounminivan, nounmisfire, verbmoped, nounMOT, nounmotocross, nounmotor, nounmotor, adjectivemotor, verbmotorbike, nounmotorcade, nounmotor car, nounmotorcycle, nounmotor home, nounmotoring, nounmotorist, nounmotorized, adjectivemotor pool, nounmotor racing, nounmotor scooter, nounmotor vehicle, nounmoving van, nounmpg, muffler, nounmulti-storey, nounnearside, adjectiveneutral, nounnumber plate, nounoctane, nounodometer, nounomnibus, nounoverdrive, nounovershoot, verbpanel, nounpanel truck, nounpantechnicon, nounpark, verbpark and ride, nounparking, nounparking brake, nounparking garage, nounparking light, nounparking lot, nounparking meter, nounparking ticket, nounpassenger seat, nounpatrol car, nounpatrolman, nounpedal, nounpenalty point, nounpetrol station, nounpick-up, nounpick-up truck, nounpillion, nounpiston ring, nounpit, nounplate, nounplug, nounpneumatic, adjectivepound, nounpower steering, nounprang, verbpremium, nounprovisional licence, nounpush-start, verbrace, verbrace car, nounracing car, nounradar trap, nounradial tyre, nounradiator, nounrank, nounrearview mirror, nounrefuel, verbreg., registration, nounregistration number, nounregular, nounremould, nounremoval van, nounrespray, verbrestraint, nounretread, nounrev, verbreverse, verbreverse, nounreverse gear, nounreversing light, nounride, nounrig, nounright-hand drive, adjectiveroad hog, nounroad rage, nounroad test, nounroadworthy, adjectiveRolls-Royce, nounroof-rack, nounrun, verbrun, nounrunabout, nounRV, nounsaloon, nounsalt truck, nounscooter, nounseat belt, nounsedan, nounself-drive, adjectiveshaft, nounshift, verbshock absorber, nounsidecar, nounsidelight, nounsideswipe, verbsilencer, nounsill, nounslick, nounslipstream, nounsnarl, verbsnarl-up, nounsnow chains, nounsnowmobile, nounsnow plough, nounsnow tire, nounsouped-up, adjectivespare, nounspare tyre, nounsparking plug, nounspark plug, nounspeedometer, nounspeed trap, nounspeedway, nounsplash guard, nounspoiler, nounsports car, nounstall, nounstart, verbstarter, nounstarter motor, nounstation wagon, nounsteamroller, nounsteering, nounstick, nounstick shift, nounstretch limo, nounsump, nounsunroof, nounsupercharged, adjectivesuspension, nountachograph, nountachometer, nountailback, nountailboard, nountailgate, nountailgate, verbtail light, nountailpipe, nountax disc, nountaxi, nountaxicab, nounteamster, nountest certificate, nountest drive, nounthree-point turn, nounthree-wheeler, nounthrottle, nounthrust, nounticket, nountie-up, nountotal, verbtowbar, nountowline, nountowtruck, nountractor, nountraffic jam, nountransmission, nountransporter, nountread, nountrolley, nountrolleybus, nountrucker, nountrucking, nountrunk, nountune, verbtune-up, nounturbocharger, nounturning circle, nounturn signal, nountwo-stroke, adjectiveunleaded, adjectivevalet, nounvalet, verbvan, nounvanity plate, nounveteran car, nounvintage car, nounvisor, nounwheelbase, nounwheel clamp, nounwhiplash, nounwhitewall, nounwindscreen, nounwindscreen wiper, nounwindshield wiper, nounwing, nounwing mirror, nounwiper, nounwreck, nounwrecker, nounwrite-off, noun
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
 He got up and started running again.
 I’d better get started (=start doing something) soon.
 The party was just getting started when Sara arrived.
 You have two hours to complete the test, starting now.
 Any new exercise program should start slowly.
 She wanted to start her own catering business.
 I started college last week.
 He couldn’t get his motorbike started.
 It’s difficult for new lawyers to get started in private practice.
 I started a fire to warm the place up.
 Oh, don’t go trying to start an argument.
 Other girls were starting rumours about me.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
 He moved to America to start afresh.
· He was deliberately trying to start an argument.· Money often causes arguments.
 Saccani’s excellent recording is an auspicious start to what promises to be a distinguished musical career.
(=start a story or activity at the first part)· Just start at the beginning and tell us exactly what happened.
 Higgins had started at the bottom (=in a low position in a company) and worked his way up to become managing director.
· The bank gave me a loan to help me set up in business.
· When you’re starting a business, you have to work longer hours.
· Jacobson started his banking career in 1990.
· His character is introduced at the beginning of the first chapter.
· I think I might start a stamp collection.
· Two years later he started his own software company.
(=make it start working)
· My computer takes ages to start up in the morning.
· Developers are planning to begin construction on a new housing project.
· She suddenly started to cry.
(=do something at the beginning of a day)· You should start the day with a good breakfast.
 The plan was doomed from the start.
· I fastened my seat belt and turned on the engine.
· They started a fight in the crowded bar.
 The day was a disaster from start to finish (=from the beginning until the end).
· The fire may have been started by a cigarette.
· It was too damp to light a fire.
 The appeal has got off to a flying start, with over £200,000 raised in the first week.
 I hope Jim and I can get back together and make a fresh start.
· Their friendship started after they met at a conference.
· Ben and some friends started a rock group at school.
 Give your children a head start by sending them to nursery school.
· You’re not going out until you’ve finished your homework.
 an inauspicious start
· He began the journey home across London.
· He suddenly began to laugh.
 This was his first match in the starting line-up (=the players who begin the game).
· Peace negotiations started last week.
· The following recipes are a good starting point for making your own bread.
· Ticket prices start from £39.00.
(also institute proceedings formal)· They threatened to begin legal proceedings against him.
· It had started to rain again.
· She is in no hurry to start another relationship.
 Rangers got off to a rocky start this season.
(=the salary someone gets when they start a job)· The starting salary for a hotel manager is $26,400.
· Children in Britain start school when they are five.
 We had to start again from scratch.
 the lengthening days that signal the end of winter
 It started snowing around five.
 The runners set off from a standing start.
· The beginning of term was only two days away.
· The young started a trend toward living in the downtown area.
(also enter university formal)· Some people take a year off before they start university.
 Sales improved after an unpromising start.
· He started work as a trainee accountant.
· Work had already started on the bridge when the error was spotted.
· They moved here at the beginning of last year.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
· An enthusiastic committee is vital as the work goes on throughout the year, starting again as soon as one event is over.· She Could start again and not lose much.· So top up when you can, rather than stripping off old varnish and starting again.· Each time he begins with a deferential tone, she disconnects the call and makes him start again.· He sometimes fantasized about emigrating, starting again in Hollywood where his looks and talent might be better appreciated.· He had stopped guessing a long time ago, and he decided not to start again now.· So you'd better borrow another gram and start again.· Once it was stopped they preferred it not to start again.
· Mr Wilson said Nerco had already started disposing of the gold and silver operations.· If you already started the document and saved it on the disk, recall it for editing or addition.· She had already started to retreat into eating when she felt upset.· But the trend that I see for the next decade has already started.· Two people living near the pit had written to the council expressing concern the changes had already started.· But dealers are already starting to run low on a handful of more popular models.· Similar trials have already started in Britain, where the vaccine was developed, and early results show no complications.· He had already started to turn into his driveway, but now he paused.
· We were determined not to start off with a mortgage round our necks if we could possibly avoid it.· It had started off a clear February day.· No audience wants to start off with blunders.· Crisp and dry, the wine starts off slowly but builds to an impressive finish.· We had started off in grand style, rattling right round the station plaza with a great tooting of horns.· It started off fantastic, with the warmest welcome anyone could imagine from Yuri and Yuri.· After making his plans for the safekeeping of funds in several banks he started off on his travels once again.· I started off by drawing the twigs and winter buds that I collected yesterday.
· I sent my luggage on by train and after lunch, I started out on foot.· They had started out with 700 gallons of fuel.· As a consequence, the government starts out with a legitimacy based on the will of the people.· The adaptive technologies that cOmputers bring us started Out as huge, conspicuous, and centralized.· After all, they started out from the same nest of opportunities as the rats who are now fatter.· After starting out in vaudeville shows, Burns rose to fame with his wife in radio and television programs.· I hadn't been in a very good mood when I started out on this journey.· I always start out with one or two pieces I really want to play.
NOUN
· You're just starting your farming business.· But there are other inexpensive ways to get started in business too.· Like how he started his business empire, where the money came from.· Another person I knew started a retail business, selling electrical goods, in a small rented shop.· Should I go out on my own and start a business, or would the insecurity be unbearable?· The average time to start a business is fIve years.· The company has produced nearly 100 models and 500,000 units since Norman Mordaunt and Rodney Short started the business back in 1967.· Would starting my own business help me resolve these questions? 5.
· To avoid this and also to facilitate starting, engines are set to run about fifteen percent rich on the ground.· He started the engine again and they climbed for several hundred yards without lights.· Then I started the engine and drove back to where I had seen the Pan-Am Norte sign.· Then the driver started the engine, and off they went.· He started the engine as gently and quietly as possible.· Sherman started the engine up again.· She started up the engine and drove swiftly away.· The weary town crew, unable to start the frozen diesel engines of their snowplows, were the only other customers.
· Open fires should always have the chimney regularly swept, otherwise the build up of soot can start a chimney fire.· Robles has confessed to starting seven fires since Aug. 1, authorities said.· He hands me a billy and suggests I get some snow for water and a few twigs to start the fire.· The family regrouped outdoors, after preventing the dazed Kong from starting a fire in the kitchen stove.· Over at the engang they are starting their fires into life.· Finally, we started re-turning fire, and at that point, the mech unit finally got there.· They went indoors to find Donald splitting wood to start the fire.· We were walking parallel with a tree line and started taking fire.
· There is no frontage included but prices start at £145,000 for a two bed flat.· The list price starts at £3,945.· Still video camera prices start from £500.· Parsytec plans to release an entire family of character recognition systems with prices starting at £15,000.· It's designed to protect and soothe even the most sensitive male skins and prices start at £2.45.· It should be here early next year, with prices starting around £20,000.· And with prices starting at under £40, they're cheaper than the latest Reeboks or Nikes.· Now that it has a published price list it can start to take orders.
· As she explained, it was not easy to start from scratch.· Once more, Machanguana is starting from scratch.· It would be arrogant foolishness to ignore that experience and to start from scratch designing a stringing by ear.· The trainees work hard, but they must start from scratch.· So, in one sense I was not starting entirely from scratch.· You start either from scratch or by modifying an existing module, changing colors, shapes and movement.· The only way to design tastefully was to start from scratch, he had said.· Some analysts believe Westinghouse decided to make a deal because it realized the difficulty of starting new channels from scratch.
· This season hadn't started any better with reversals already suffered at Arsenal and Liverpool.· In the Dodgers' third and final intrasquad game of the season, Valdes started and pitched two innings.· But soon the season would start again and the rich harvest of the oysters would be ready for dredging.· The lockout was lifted months ago, and still the season started late.· It has been almost a month since the team was officially introduced to the media and three weeks since the season started.· All clubs received a letter warning them against organising practice or trial matches before the season officially starts on 1st September.· I just told him he better bet back here before football season starts next August.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • Peter the Great had to start from scratch when he built St. Petersburg.
  • As she explained, it was not easy to start from scratch.
  • It would be arrogant foolishness to ignore that experience and to start from scratch designing a stringing by ear.
  • Once more, Machanguana is starting from scratch.
  • The only way to design tastefully was to start from scratch, he had said.
  • The revenue from the product also starts from zero when none are sold and rises proportionately to invoiced sales.
  • The trainees work hard, but they must start from scratch.
  • This is especially true if the group starts from scratch with no designated roles or previous experience of working together.
  • We do not have to start from scratch.
  • I'm not going to Vegas. To start with, I don't like gambling, and I also can't get time off work.
  • I was nervous to start with, but after a while I was fine.
  • Cheap merchandise was overpriced to start with, then sold on time with fantastic interest.
  • Especially when some people are stupid to start with, and careless of existing laws.
  • Given that they're feeling unwell to start with, this can lead to tears.
  • I wanted to start with something that was better and more efficient.
  • List your private fears to start with, then your public ones, if any.
  • The more localized in position that it is to start with, the more quickly it will spread.
  • We have decided to start with the basics.
  • If we lose tomorrow, we'll be back where we started.
  • And if you decide that they are not, then you are back where you started.
  • So my client and I are back where we started.
  • To a large extent we are back where we started.
  • But then couples began to wait longer before starting families and also began to worry more about money.
  • Effects on family life probably include contrary tendencies - accelerating or delaying decisions to start families, for example.
  • Hirsh was a hospital pharmacist who needed to hold down two jobs to save money to start a family.
  • Many of these women may still start families in their late 20s or 30s.
  • Nadia Comaneci and her husband, Bart Conner, want to start a family.
  • They may have started, or are about to start a family.
  • This is unlikely to deter parents wishing to start a family at a more mature age than usual.
  • Though women friends my age were talking about marriage and starting a family, I remained unsure.
  • She moved to Texas to start anew after the divorce.
  • Analysts think Boeing will most likely start afresh and come up with a real rival early in 2002.
  • He would return to such motifs again and again over the years, overworking an existing drawing or destroying and starting afresh.
  • I wanted everything to start afresh between you and me.
  • If nothing else, the legal clock on the case will likely start anew when it returns to the trial court.
  • Sometimes, staying put is a greater act of courage than pulling up stakes and starting anew.
  • Stark had taken me to a place where I could shed my former selves and start anew.
  • We're going to start afresh.
  • We had not finished the war, but had to go back to Virginia and start afresh.
  • "Tim, stop fighting with your sister." "She started it."
  • If you start something in there, don't expect me to back you up.
  • I figured I must be the only fool who was trying to start something.
  • I myself had started something of a relationship with her just now.
  • I think we have to be autocratic about officers, at first, in order to start something.
  • In fact, I was thinking I might try and start something along those lines as soon as I can.
  • It's, well, enough to get by on, but not much more, not enough to start something.
  • The standard affair, nowadays, will start something like this.
  • Those involved were told that they should have consulted the senior branch before starting anything like that.
  • When I brought you that painting, it started something.
  • You have to start young if you want to be a great musician.
  • Awareness of personal attitudes to ageing has to start young.
  • But protest comes from awareness and today awareness starts young.
  • But they say the best pilots start young and David Leech will have to wait till August for his first solo.
  • With many sexually active before their sixteenth birthday and with drug taking on the increase, education needs to start young.
► don’t (you) start!► start something ↔ off► start somebody ↔ off► start somebody off► start somebody on somethingPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
  • Los Angeles was regarded as the place to begin life anew.
  • And then silence again and the whole sequence begins anew.
  • If nothing else, the legal clock on the case will likely start anew when it returns to the trial court.
  • She was fresher now, more confident; confident enough to scrap the entire chapter and begin anew.
  • The reaction would start anew, but this time with no way to remove its heat.
  • The sun floods in, young plants shoot upwards and the struggle starts anew as the winners block light from their inferiors.
  • We should at least be able to start anew with some element of hope.
  • When this landmass begins to warm up that section of the mantle, the cycle begins anew.
  • Ali MacGraw set the ball rolling with Love Story.
  • And laughter is infectious ... so a little bit of effort on the small screen could start the ball rolling.
  • Does that make a difference, or did he and others just start the ball rolling?
  • He will keep the ball rolling.
  • Her words started the ball rolling.
  • To start the ball rolling, the government was asked to contribute £1 million.
  • Volume 2 deals with general idioms e.g. keep the ball rolling, the proof of the pudding.
  • Wolves play a similar style, and at times one yearned for some one to set the ball rolling ... literally.
► bring somebody up short/with a start
  • The clock is stopped when a player runs out of bounds with the ball.
  • If you are bled totally dry and white, they will simply stop the clock.
  • Some expend tremendous energy desperately trying to stop the clock.
  • You start the clock, paint the glue, fit the pieces, block the cramps.
  • After an early start we were soon out of the city and climbing.
  • Dennis excused himself, saying he had to make an early start the following morning.
  • Everything must be ready for an early start tomorrow.
  • Good judgement of conditions, an early start and a fast, efficient ascent are essential to avoid such torrid descent.
  • Have you got an early start?
  • Or get an early start on that long weekend commute, then catch up from home.
  • Surely an early start on atoms and molecules must somehow be brought about.
  • We had an earlier start than I expected and now we are taking more time to turn the corner.
  • Electoral reform is moving ahead in fits and starts.
  • Although change often unfolds in fits and starts, organisations can learn to improve.
  • But civilization was approaching in fits and starts.
  • But his proposals for electoral reform, now moving ahead in fits and starts, contain no such provision.
  • He spoke in fits and starts.
  • It has continued in fits and starts ever since.
  • The conversation is awkward, moving in fits and starts.
  • This means the machine tends to go forward in fits and starts, sometimes quite quickly but at other times embarrassingly slowly.
  • David Currie gave Barnsley a flying start, scoring after 31 seconds, and Andy Rammell added their second.
  • However, you also need to give yourself a flying start by stimulating the circulation through massage and natural herbal extracts.
  • It's given them a flying start ahead of their Japenese competitors, who until now were the traditional market leaders in electronics.
  • Racers, once the top team in Britain, will want a flying start to the season to reassert themselves.
  • That nagging thought deepened as the captain came in first, and gave the innings a flying start.
  • The appeal got off to a flying start at the weekend when the group held a jumble sale and raffle.
  • Video-Taped report follows Voice over Despite missing 7 first team regulars Gloucester got off to a flying start.
  • Well, it seems we have a flying start.
► start/get off on the wrong/right foot
  • Around six years ago, she departed for California to make a fresh start.
  • Bankruptcy proceedings free you from overwhelming debts so that you can make a fresh start, subject to restrictions.
  • Every week is a fresh start.
  • It gives you a fresh start.
  • It was spring, and he was making a fresh start.
  • She decided to travel back to this country and make a fresh start.
  • The prisoners welfare group Nacro, says every prisoner leaving jail should be given at least the basics to make a fresh start.
  • Then make a fresh start on a more efficient brand of government activism for the future.
  • What we need, it argues, is a fresh start.
► get off to a good/bad etc start
  • But Effie Bawn was in at the start.
Word family
WORD FAMILYnounstartstarter ≠ non-starterrestartverbstartrestart
1begin doing something [intransitive, transitive] to do something that you were not doing before, and continue doing it SYN  begin:  There’s so much to do I don’t know where to start. Have you started your homework?start doing something Then the baby started crying.start to do something It’s starting to rain. He got up and started running again. I’d better get started (=start doing something) soon.start somebody doing something What Kerry said started me thinking (=made me start thinking).2begin happening [intransitive, transitive] (also start off) to begin happening, or to make something begin happening:  What time does the film start? Lightning started a fire that burned 500 acres. The party was just getting started when Sara arrived.starting (from) now/tomorrow/next week etc You have two hours to complete the test, starting now.3begin in a particular way [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] (also start off) to begin something in a particular way, or to begin in a particular way:  A healthy breakfast is a good way to start the day.start with The festivities started with a huge fireworks display.start as The restaurant started as a small take-out place.start badly/well/slowly etc Any new exercise program should start slowly.start (something) by doing something Chao starts by explaining some basic legal concepts.4business/organization [transitive] (also start up) to make something begin to existstart a business/company/firm etc She wanted to start her own catering business.5job/school [intransitive, transitive] to begin a new job, or to begin going to school, college etc:  When can you start?start school/college/work I started college last week.6car/engine etc [intransitive, transitive] (also start up) if you start a car or engine, or if it starts, it begins to work:  The car wouldn’t start this morning.get the car/engine etc started He couldn’t get his motorbike started.7begin going somewhere [intransitive] (also start off/out) to begin travelling or moving in a particular direction SYN  set out:  We’ll have to start early to get there by lunchtime.8life/profession [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] (also start off/out) to begin your life or profession in a particular way or placestart as/in She started as a dancer in the 1950s. It’s difficult for new lawyers to get started in private practice.9road/river/path etc [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if a river, road, path etc starts somewhere, it begins in that place:  The trail starts immediately behind the hotel.start in/at The race will start at the town hall.10prices/amounts [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] if prices, amounts, or rates start at or from a particular number, that is the lowest number at which you can get or buy somethingstart at/from Room prices start from £25 a night.11start from scratch/zero to begin doing a job or activity completely from the beginning:  There were no textbooks, so the teachers had to start from scratch.12deliberately begin something [transitive] to deliberately make something start happening, especially something bad:  I started a fire to warm the place up.start a fight/argument Oh, don’t go trying to start an argument. Other girls were starting rumours about me.13to start with spoken a)said when talking about the beginning of a situation, especially when it changes later:  I was pretty nervous to start with, but after a while I was fine. b)said to emphasize the first of a list of facts or opinions you are stating:  There are problems. To start with, neither of us likes housework.14be back where you started to try to do something and fail, so that you finish in the same situation that you were in before:  A lot of people who lose weight gain it back over time, and end up back where they started.15sports [intransitive, transitive] if a player starts in a game, or if someone starts them, they begin playing when the game begins, especially because they are one of the best players on the teamstart for Astacio started for the Dodgers on Tuesday night.16start a family to have your first baby:  We’re not ready to start a family yet.17start afresh/anew to stop doing what you are doing and begin doing it again in a better or different way:  She saw her new job as a chance to start afresh.18somebody started it! spoken used to say that someone else has caused an argument or problem:  ‘Don’t hit her!’ ‘But she started it!’19start something/anything to begin causing trouble:  It looks like Jess is trying to start something.20move suddenly [intransitive] to move your body suddenly, especially because you are surprised or afraid SYN  jump:  A loud knock at the door made her start.start from Emma started from her chair and rushed to the window.21start young to begin doing something when you are young, especially when it is unusual to do it:  Woods started young, and was coached by his father.22don’t (you) start! British English spoken used to tell someone to stop complaining, arguing, or annoying you:  ‘Mum, I don’t like this ice cream.’ ‘Oh, don’t you start!’GRAMMARStart belongs to a group of verbs where the same noun can be the subject of the verb or its object.• You can say: · We’ll start the show at 7.30. In this sentence, ‘the show’ is the object of start.• You can say: · The show will start at 7.30. In this sentence, ‘the show’ is the subject of start.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSTHESAURUSto start doing somethingstart to begin doing something: · I’m starting a new job next week.· It’s time we started.begin to start doing something.Begin is more formal than start, and is used especially in written English: · He began to speak.· The orchestra began playing.· Shall we begin?commence formal to start doing something: · The company will commence drilling next week.· Work was commenced on the next power station.get down to something to finally start doing something, especially your work: · Come on, Sam – it’s time you got down to some homework.· We’d better get down to business.set off to start a journey: · What time do you have to set off in the morning?· I usually set off for work at about 8.30.set out to start a long journey: · The ship set out from Portsmouth on July 12th.embark on something especially written to start something, especially something new, difficult, or exciting: · The Law Society has embarked on a major programme of reform.· Jamaica was embarking on a decade of musical creativity.resume formal to start doing something again after stopping it or being interrupted: · Normal train services will be resumed on April 5th.· Trade was resumed after the end of the war.get cracking informal to start doing something or going somewhere: · I think we should get cracking straightaway.to start happeningstart/begin to begin: · What time does the film start?begin to start. Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: · · The trial began in March.· Work on the new bridge will begin early next year.open to start being shown to the public – used about a play, show, or exhibition: · Lloyd Webber’s new musical opened in London last week.· A major exhibition of her work will open in New York in November.commence formal to start happening: · The voting has already commenced.· The work is scheduled to commence in April.get under way to start happening or being done – used especially about something that is likely to last a long time: · Construction work is getting under way on a new train network.· Discussions concerning the plan got under way on April 2.break out to start happening – used especially about a fire, a fight, war, or a disease: · Police were called in when fighting broke out in the crowd.· The blaze broke out on the third floor of the hotel.kick off informal to start – used especially about a football game or a meeting: · The match is due to kick off this afternoon at Wembley Stadium.· What time will the celebrations kick off?start back phrasal verb to begin returning to the place you came fromstart back to/down/up etc I started back down the mountain to camp.start in phrasal verb American English1to begin doing something, especially with a lot of effort:  I decided to just start in and see what I could do.start in on Lilly started in on her burger.2to begin criticizing someone or complaining to them about somethingstart in on Mom turned away from Rose and started in on me.start off phrasal verb1to begin something in a particular way, or to begin in a particular waystart something ↔ off with something/by doing something The theater company started off their new season with a Shakespeare play.start off with something/by doing something I started off by drawing the flowers I had collected.2to be a particular thing or have a particular quality at the beginning of something, especially when this changes later:  The puppies start off white, and get their black spots later.start off as The games start off as a social event, but players soon become competitive. I started off as a drummer.3start something ↔ off to make something begin happening:  We’re not sure what starts the process off.4 start somebody ↔ off to help someone begin an activitystart off with He started me off with some stretching exercises.5to begin going somewhere:  I sat in the car for a few minutes before starting off.start off to/towards/back etc She started off to school in her new uniform.6start somebody off British English informal to make someone get angry or start laughing, by saying something:  Don’t say that; that’ll just start him off.start somebody off doing something He made her jump, and that started her off giggling.start on somebody/something phrasal verb1to begin doing something or using something:  You’d better start on your homework.2 start somebody on something to make someone start doing something regularly, especially because it will be good for them:  Try starting your baby on solid foods at four months old.3British English informal to begin criticizing someone or complaining to them about somethingstart on at Ray’s wife started on at him about spending too much time in the pub.start out phrasal verb1to begin happening or existing in a particular way, especially when this changes laterstart out as ‘The Star’ started out as a small weekly newspaper. The leaves start out a pale green, and later get darker.2to begin your life or profession, or an important period of time:  When the band first started out, they played at small clubs.start out as She started out as a model.start out on young couples starting out on their life together3to begin going somewhere:  Oliver started out at five, when it was still dark.start over phrasal verb American English to start doing something again from the beginning, especially because you want to do it better:  If you make a mistake, just erase it and start over.start up phrasal verb1if you start up a business, company etc, or it starts up, it begins to exist:  Tax breaks help new companies start up.start something ↔ up Jordan started up a band of his own.2if an engine, car etc starts up, or you start it up, it begins working:  The driver got back into the car and started up.start something ↔ up Rory started up the engine and got the vehicle moving.3if a sound, activity, or event starts up, it begins to exist or happen:  The crickets had started up now that it was evening.
start1 verbstart2 noun
startstart2 ●●● S1 W2 noun Entry menu
MENU FOR startstart1 of an activity/event2 of a period of time3 make a start (on something)4 sudden movement5 good/better/healthy etc start (in life)6 where race begins7 being ahead8 for a start9 be a start10 job11 starts12 sport
Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • A pint of vodka at eight o'clock in the morning was not a good start to the day.
  • If we get off to a good start this season, I think the team has a real chance to win the championship.
  • The runners are now lining up for the start of the race.
  • They had an exotic meal to celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year.
  • Tomorrow marks the start of the presidential election campaign.
  • We want to give our kids the best possible start in life.
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • From that bad start, many little rotten apples grew.
  • From the start, the physical setting was an essential part of the Black Mountain experience.
  • He's allowed just five goals in his last four starts.
  • Only in 1993-94 did San Jose manage to survive a bad start.
  • There are also no ligatures to confuse the start of the letter as there are in other letter positions.
  • When we reached the start after a nervous descent there were no fewer than seven climbers ahead of us.
Thesaurus
THESAURUS
the first part of something such as a story, event, or period of time: · The beginning of the movie is very violent.· Let’s go back to the beginning.
the beginning of something, or the way something begins: · Tomorrow marks the start of the presidential election campaign.· It was not a good start to the day.· The runners lined up for the start of the race.
formal the beginning of something – used especially in official contexts: · the commencement of the academic year· the commencement of the contract
the point from which something starts to exist: · He wrote a book about the origins of the universe.· The tradition has its origins in medieval times.
the time when something bad begins, such as illness, old age, or cold weather: · the onset of winter· An active lifestyle can delay the onset of many diseases common to aging.
literary the beginning of an important period of time in history: · People have worshipped gods since the dawn of civilization.
the beginning of something important that will change many people’s lives: · the birth of democracy in South Africa· the birth of the environmental movement
Longman Language Activatorto start doing something
· We can't start until Carol gets here.· I'm starting a new job next week.· Have you started that book yet? (=started reading it)start doing something · I've just started learning German.· It was getting dark so we started looking for a place to stay the night.start to do something · Halfway through the performance, she started to feel a little faint.· Outside, it was starting to rain.
to start doing something. Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: · Once the children were quiet, the teacher began.· They began their holiday in Italy, and then went on to Greece.begin to do something: · More and more people are beginning to do their shopping on-line.· "What do you mean?" she said, beginning to laugh.begin doing something: · The audience suddenly began shouting and cheering.
to finally start doing something, especially work, after you have been avoiding doing it or after something has prevented you from doing it: · Come on Sam - it's time you got down to some homework.get down to to doing something: · When the summer comes, we must get down to painting the outside of the house.get down to business: · OK, can everyone take a seat now, and we'll get down to business.
to start a piece of work that will take a fairly long time: · The exam was almost over and I hadn't even started on question 3.· It was time to start on all those little jobs around the house that he'd been putting off.· We can't start on the building work until planning permission comes through.
to start a long and fairly difficult piece of work, especially in an energetic and determined way: · Philip set about the task with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm.· Why don't we set to work really early, and try to get it finished in one day?set about/set to work doing something: · If there is a serious problem, it's far better to admit it and set about tackling it.set to work to do something: · Workmen had already set to work to clear the fallen trees.set to work on something: · Once in power, the government set to work on major reforms to the tax system.
to start doing something after you have finished doing something else: · Martin marched into the shop and proceeded to hurl abuse at the girl behind the counter.· After listening carefully to my advice, she proceeded to do the exact opposite!
to start doing something after a delay or interruption that has stopped you giving it your full attention: · After lunch the children settled down to finish their science projects.settle down to to doing something: · It was two o'clock before I could finally settle down to writing the next chapter.
to suddenly start a long speech or story, especially if you are criticizing something or giving an entertaining description of something: · Annie arrived late and immediately launched into a lengthy description of the terrible traffic on the roads.· At that point the young man stood up and launched into a passionate party-political speech.
to start a large piece of work or an important activity, especially one that will be difficult or will take a long time: · In the 1950s China embarked on a massive program of industrialization and mechanization.· After leaving his office job, he embarked upon a highly successful writing career.
to gradually start to like, fear, expect etc something over a period of time: · Rowling's latest book is full of all the magic and excitement that her young readers have come to expect.· At first I thought he was a bit strange, but I grew to like and respect him over the years.· My teacher said that this wasn't the kind of work that she'd come to expect of me.
spoken informal to start doing something immediately, because you are in a hurry or there is a lot to do: · Come on! - get cracking. I want this whole house clean by the time I get back.· You'd better get cracking if you want to get to the airport by ten.
to start an activity, job, speech etc by doing the first part of it
to do something as the first part of an activity or job: start by/begin by doing something: · There were two interviewers and they began by asking me questions about my last job.· When you're drawing a face, you should start by trying to imagine the bones underneath.
to think about, introduce, or deal with something as the first part of an activity: · If I were you, I'd start with the easy questions.· The lecturer began with a short account of the history of the UN.· Decorating the place was a huge job, and we started with the kitchen and the hall.
to start something such as a meeting or discussion by introducing a subject or speaking first: · Is there anyone here who would like to lead off the debate?· The Chief Executive led off by pointing out that a merger was only one option.lead off with: · We asked the sales director to lead off with the latest sales figures.
informal to do something as the first part of an activity or an event such as a party or a concert: · Let's kick off with an Indian meal somewhere, and go on to a club after that.kick off something with something: · Phelps kicked off an outstanding night's music with a beautifully played Mozart Symphony.
to be the person who starts something
to be the first one to do something in a situation where both sides feel nervous, embarrassed, angry etc: · I'd always been attracted to her, but I was too shy to make the first move.make the first move to do something: · The employees made the first move to end the strike.
to be the first one to do something in a situation, especially when you think people are being silly because they are waiting for someone else to do it first: · Everyone was standing around in silence, so I took the initiative and tried to explain why we had come.· The disarmament talks failed because neither side was prepared to risk taking the initiative.
to start a journey
to start a long journey or start going somewhere, especially if your journey has been planned or has a special purpose: · What time do you have to set off in the morning?· We had meant to set out before lunch but nobody was ready to leave.set off/set out towards/along/in the direction of etc: · Packing herself a couple of sandwiches, she set off along the cliff path.· The weather had been fine on the morning that the climbers set out up the last part of the mountain.set off/set out for: · My mother was only twenty when she married my father and set off for Addis Ababa.set off/set out from: · The Royal Navy set out from Portsmouth on July 13th.set off/set out to do: · Columbus set out to discover America in the fifteenth century.
to start a journey to a particular place: · When are you starting for Seattle?· It was already dark by the time we started for home.
to start moving away from a place where you have been, especially if you are driving a car, riding a bicycle etc: · Before starting off you should check that your seat and mirrors are properly adjusted.start off along/towards/down etc: · The riders got back on their horses and started off along the track again.
informal to start a journey: · It's time we hit the road.· The group will be hitting the road again in the new year, in order to promote their new album.
informal to start a journey or start going somewhere, especially when you are late or when there has been a delay: · Let's get going now or we'll miss the train.· The coach was supposed to leave at 10:30 but we eventually got going at 3 o'clock.· Get going, you two! Didn't you hear the school bell?
to start doing something regularly
to start doing something that you then do regularly. Begin is more formal than start and is used especially in written English: start/begin doing something: · I started going to the gym two years ago.· She was only 16 when she began seeing Alan.start/begin to do something: · His parents got divorced last year - that's when he started to take drugs.
to become interested in a sport or activity, and start to spend time doing it: · When did Bryan take up golf?· Your pictures are so good - you could take up painting as a profession.
to start doing something dangerous or illegal: · Hal turned to drinking after his wife and kids were killed in a car crash.· Research shows that young people without jobs are most likely to turn to crime.
to start doing something frequently, especially something that is annoying or worrying : · There's a big ginger cat that's taken to coming in our house at night.· My daughter took to spending hours alone in her room, only coming downstairs for meals.
to start to do something so often that it becomes a habit: · I only used to have one or two cigarettes, but then I got into the habit of it.get into the habit of of doing something: · Try to get into the habit of planning your work at the beginning of the day.
to help or encourage someone to start doing something new
to make someone start doing something or start enjoying something, by telling them about it or showing it to them: · Her father introduced her to rock 'n' roll when she was a little girl.introduce somebody to doing something: · It was my sports teacher who first introduced me to skiing.
to give someone the chance to do something for the first time, especially something unusual or complicated: · People come to me to be initiated into meditation, as a way of handling stress.· He tried to initiate her into the mysteries of Chinese cooking.
to make someone start doing something regularly, especially because it will be good for them: · Most parents start their babies on solid foods when they are about 4 months old.· The doctor said that he wants to start Dad on a special low-cholesterol diet.
to start doing something again in a better way
to start doing something again from the beginning, because you want to do it better or differently from before: · I see the new job as a chance to start afresh.· The money we won made it possible for us to pay off all our debts and make a new start.· He's determined to make a fresh start when he gets out of prison.
American to go back to the beginning of something and start again: · If you make a keying error, just delete it and start over.· In 1960 the family fled the island of Cuba and, like many others, started over in Miami.
to start doing something successfully
· I haven't finished all my Christmas shopping yet but I've made a good start.· Chelsea got off to a good start with a victory over Southampton on the first day of the season.
to start doing something very successfully: · Kate's got off to a flying start. She was promoted twice in the first six months.
to start doing something unsuccessfully
· I got off to a bad start at the interview by spilling my coffee all over my notes.· The senator got off to a bad start, twice forgetting the name of the town he was in.
to start something such as a relationship or job and be unsuccessful at the beginning, for example by unintentionally making people upset or angry: · What should I wear on my first day? I don't want to start off on the wrong foot.· John seems to have got off on the wrong foot with Angela -- she won't even speak to him.
an unsuccessful attempt to start doing something such as a piece of work or a plan: · After a number of false starts, the Channel Tunnel between England and France finally went ahead in the late 80s.
to start happening
begin is more formal than start , and is used especially in written English: · Do you know what time our first class starts?· My day starts at 5 or 6 o'clock, when the baby wakes up.· The movie was just beginning when Richard and James arrived.· Work on the new bridge will begin next year.
if a play or show opens , it starts being shown to the public: · Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical will open later this year.· A permanent exhibition of Moore's work will open next year.
informal if a planned event such as a game or a meeting kicks off , it starts: · If the meeting kicks off on time, we should be finished by 12 o'clock.kick off with: · The carnival kicked off with a wonderful firework display.
to start to exist
if something such as an organization or a country comes into being or into existence , it starts to exist: · Pakistan came into existence as an independent country in 1947.· Darwin's theory of evolution explains how different species came into being.
to suddenly start to exist in a very short period of time: · Dozens of websites have sprung up to provide information for travelers.· New dot.com companies are springing up all the time.
if something such as a problem, a difficulty, or an argument arises , it appears or starts, usually as a result of something else happening: · When a conflict arises in the workplace, you should aim to repair the relationship as quickly as possible.arise from/out of: · Low achievement at school often arises from poverty and bad social conditions.if/when/should etc the need arise (=if etc it becomes necessary): · All staff are expected to do some overtime, if the need arises.
if an important idea, group, or organization is born , it starts to exist - use this especially when you are describing the history of something: : · With the invention of the electric guitar, rock 'n' roll was born.· Picasso was painting pictures in a Cubist style long before the Cubist movement was born.
when something new starts to exist or be used: · The arrival of the railroads after the Civil War produced a huge building boom in California.· the arrival of gene technology
when something bad starts to happen
to start happening - use this about unpleasant things like fires, wars, or diseases: · A fire broke out on the top floor of the building.· Late last night, fighting broke out between gangs of rival football fans.
when something unpleasant starts happening, such as a fire, war, or disease: · Thousands of people died as the result of this latest cholera outbreak.outbreak of: · There's been an outbreak of food poisoning at the hotel.· The system started to operate in late 1914, a few months after the outbreak of war in Europe.
if fighting, violence etc erupts , it starts very suddenly: · A fight over a game of cards had erupted in the corner of the bar.· Massive and often violent protests erupted across the country.· Gang violence can erupt for no apparent reason.
if something bad sets in , for example bad weather or an illness, it starts and seems likely to continue: · It looks as if the rain has set in for the day.· The doctors operated immediately to prevent any infection setting in.· Worldwide economic recession set in during the early 1980s.
to make something start happening
to make something start happening: · The police have already started an investigation.· The referee couldn't start the game because there were fans on the field.· A 'safe neighbourhood' campaign has been started by local residents.
: launch an attack/appeal/inquiry etc to start a public or military activity, when there is a clear aim that you want to achieve: · Rebel forces launched an attack on the capital.· Police are launching a major murder inquiry.· The local hospital has launched a campaign to raise money for new X-ray equipment.
: open an investigation/inquiry to start an official process of gathering information about a particular problem, in order to find out what caused it or to find a solution: · Police have opened an investigation into the girl's disappearance.· The Football Association are to open an inquiry into recent crowd trouble.
formal to start something such as an official process or discussion about something important: · Peace talks have been initiated in an attempt to avert full scale war.· The couple plan to initiate legal proceedings against the police.
to make something happen, especially something serious, difficult, or important: · The murder sparked off a wave of protests in the city.· Recent freak weather conditions have sparked off renewed fears about the effects of global warming.
also set into motion American to start a process or series of events that will continue for a long time even if you take no further action: · A few months later the divorce procedure was set in motion.· The government had already set into motion a series of reforms.· Wait's actions had set in motion a chain of events that would eventually result in his dismissal.
informal to start a meeting, discussion, event etc by doing something in order to encourage other people to take part in it as well: · Mark stood up and asked the first question to get the ball rolling.· To start the ball rolling, the government was asked to contribute £50,000 to the new charity.
to make a process start by doing or arranging the first part of it, after which it will become easier: · Change is certainly needed and the new headteacher needs to get things moving quickly.· Once we got things moving, the deal went through very quickly.
spoken use this to say that you now want to start something that you have been planning: · Are you all packed and ready? Right, let's get this show on the road.· We're having another meeting next week, hopefully to really get this show on the road.
to officially start a new system, method, rule etc
to officially start a new system, method, or rule for the first time: · The company is thinking of introducing medical tests for all employees.· New safety measures will be introduced next month.· The city authorities are bringing in new parking regulations next month.
to introduce a new law or rule gradually, over a fairly long period of time: · The new technology will be phased in over a five year period.· In an attempt to reduce opposition to its tax reforms, the government plans to phase them in gradually.
if a new law or system comes into effect or comes into operation , it starts to be used officially: · The new law came into effect in 1991.· Eventually a ban on the sale of fireworks to children came into operation.
to start a new business or organization
to start a new business or organization: · Luigi's family came here in 1966 and started up a chain of restaurants.· John decided to start his own textile business shortly after the war.
to start a business that provides services to the public, such as a shop, restaurant, or hotel: · They just opened a new supermarket on Van Nuys Boulevard.· The rail company plans to open several new lines over the next five years.
to start a new business by making all the necessary arrangements, buying equipment etc: · Kate and her partner are setting up their own printing business.set up in business (=to start to run your own business): · The Enterprise Center runs courses for people who want to set up in business on their own.set up as: · Dad set up as a builder in 1990 and now he employs over twenty men.
to start an important organization that is intended to be permanent, or that continues for a very long time: · The company was established in 1899.· Most of the money will be used to establish local industries and mobilize the work-force.
to start an organization, school, hospital etc, especially by providing the money for it - use this especially about something that was started a long time ago: · Who originally founded the college?· The bank was founded 60 years ago in Munich.
formal the start of an organization, institution, or programme: · Within a few years of its inception, the charity was involved in aid projects all around the world.· Not long after their inception, the welfare programs were under attack.
when something starts a natural process
· Investigators still aren't sure what started the fire.· It is thought that the avalanche was started by a small rock-fall on the higher slopes.· Adding acid to the test tube starts a chemical process which leads to the formation of crystals.
to start a natural process, especially one that will continue for a fairly long time - used especially in scientific contexts : · The process is activated by sunlight.· In certain rare circumstances, these vaccines could activate disease.
to start a natural process, usually accidentally and with the result that it is difficult to stop it: · In 1992, tidal waves set off by a strong earthquake killed around 2000 people.· The splitting of an atom sets off an explosive chain reaction.
to start an old law, custom, system etc after a long time
to start using a custom, system, law etc again, that was used in the past but then stopped: · Do you think they should bring back the death penalty?· They're talking about bringing back formal grammar teaching.
to start using a law or system again after you had previously stopped using it: · Many people think that student grants should be reintroduced.· They are reintroducing English as the official language in schools throughout the country.
to start or strengthen something such as an old practice, custom, or idea after it had begun to disappear, so that it becomes popular again: · a campaign to revive the tradition of holding a two-minute silence on Armistice Day· They are planning to revive the old Saint's Day parades through town.
to introduce an old law, rule etc that had been completely stopped: · The earlier restrictions on currency exchange have now been restored.
to start an old practice, custom, system etc again after it has not existed for a long time, especially because you think that a changed situation makes it necessary or useful again: · Old theories about the origin of the universe have recently been resurrected.· There's a growing drive to resurrect the ancient woodland tradition of charcoal burning.
all of something
all of something -- used especially with uncountable nouns: all the/this/that/my etc: · He spends all his money on beer and cigarettes.· I've seen all her movies.· Did you eat all that bread?all of the/this/that/my etc: · I enjoyed the book although I didn't understand all of it.it all: · Where's my change? You didn't spend it all, did you?all day/week/year etc (=the whole of a period of time): · I spent all day cleaning the house.
all of something that is large, long, or has a lot of parts, for example a large area of land, a long period of time, or a large group of people: · I didn't see her again for a whole year.· "I want the whole area searched!" said the chief of police.· She was so frightened, her whole body was shaking.· Nora had spent her whole life trying to find happiness.the whole of something (=all of a particular thing, time, or place): · She spent the whole of the journey complaining about her boyfriend.· The Romans conquered almost the whole of Western Europe.
all of something -- use this especially to show that you are annoyed or surprised by this: · I wasted an entire day waiting at the airport.· We realized that our entire conversation had been recorded.· This function of the word processor allows you to correct the entire document before printing.
the whole of something -- use this to emphasize that someone uses all of something, or that something covers all of an area: · Every inch of my niece's wall is covered with posters of pop groups.· We had to use every last bit of our savings.· I watched him drain every last drop out of the bottle.
including all of something such as an event, process, or piece of writing: · I've read the book three times from start to finish.· The whole case was badly handled from start to finish.
spoken including every part of something -- use this about someone moving, buying or selling all of something: · He moved the whole company, lock, stock, and barrel, to Mexico.· The Knolls have owned the town lock, stock, and barrel for 15 years.
during the whole of an event or period of time
: all the time (that) · I couldn't really enjoy my holiday because I was sick all the time I was there.· All the time I was talking to him he just sat and stared at the television.
during all of a particular period of time, especially when this is a long time: · Lester was sickly all through his childhood.· Yvonne lived in Switzerland throughout the war.
during all of the day, night, summer etc: · It often rains here all day long.· The music coming from the apartment upstairs kept me awake all night long.
if a particular situation has existed all along , it has existed all the time right from the beginning, although you may not have known about it: · I spent over an hour looking for my keys, and they were in my purse all along.be right all along: · He realized that she'd been right all along.
if an event or something that you do is good, bad etc from start to finish , it is like that from the time it begins until it ends: · It was an awful day at work - problems from start to finish.· The whole thing was a disaster from beginning to end.
at the beginning
· At the start it looked as though Italy would win, but Argentina improved as the game went on.· She was nervous at the beginning but she settled down as she got further into her speech.at the beginning/start of · We pay our rent at the beginning of the month.· For homework tonight, start at the beginning of chapter three and read up to page 98.· At the start of the century, barely 3% of the population was literate.
use this to say what happened at the beginning, especially when something different happened later. Initially is more formal than at first: · Barney was quiet at first, but gradually he became more confident.· At first I didn't think Nancy and I would get along.· They offered her the job, initially on a temporary basis but later as a full member of the staff.
especially spoken use this to talk about what happens at the beginning, especially when something different may happen later: · Our employees receive health benefits and $28,000 a year to start with.· Even children who are healthy to begin with wouldn't survive long in these terrible conditions.
at the beginning - use this to talk about the situation at the time in the past when something first started: · Originally, they told me I was only going to work 35 hours a week.· Two hundred people showed up for the wedding, about 50 more than we originally planned.
formal if something is known, believed, decided etc at the outset , it is known etc from the very earliest point in a period of time or activity: · Sylvia knew at the outset what her ultimate goals were.· It had been decided at the outset that Theresa would be our spokesperson.
from the beginning
· Tell me everything that happened, from the beginning.· Their marriage has been in trouble from the start.right from the beginning/start (=from the very earliest time) · Right from the start I could tell she didn't like me.· Mark felt very comfortable in his new job, right from the beginning.from start to finish (=from the beginning to the end) · This project has been a complete nightmare from start to finish.
informal from the beginning - used especially when something has happened or existed continuously since the beginning: · Eva's been very supportive from the word go.· The Elfin Theatre Company was doomed to failure from the word go.
if something has been the situation or has been someone's purpose since or from day one , it has clearly been the situation or their purpose ever since the beginning: · From day one I knew we'd have a strong team this year.· We've opposed this amendment since day one and we'd be stupid to change our minds now.
from the time when a continuing activity or process began: · The new group had, from the outset, campaigned for an improvement in childcare provision.· I was determined from the outset to make the most of going to university.
the beginning of something
the first part of an event, period of time etc: the beginning of something: · I haven't seen her since the beginning of last year.· It was the beginning of a long friendship.· This fall's presidential election could mean the beginning of a new era in American politics.back to the beginning: · It's so long since I spoke German, I'd have to go right back to the beginning if I took a class in it now.
the beginning of something, or the way that something begins: the start of something: · The runners are now lining up for the start of the race.· Tomorrow marks the start of the presidential election campaign.· They had an exotic meal to celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year.a good/bad start to something: · A pint of vodka at eight o'clock in the morning was not a good start to the day.get off to a good/bad start: · If we get off to a good start this season, I think the team has a real chance to win the championship.
the origin of something is where it came from or how it first started to exist: · AIDS became widespread in the 1980s, but no-one is certain of its origin.origin of: · He's writing a dictionary that explains the origin of words.· Hughes's book 'The Fatal Shore' is a study of the origins of Australia as a British penal colony.· Advanced computer systems could trace the origin of every gun used in a violent crime.have your/its origins in something: · Today's ceremony is a modern version of a tradition which has its origins in medieval times.country/place of origin: · The magazines were organized by country of origin.
the starting point of something is where it begins or develops from: · If you want to learn about working overseas, this book would be a good starting point.starting point for/of: · Duffy's difficult relationship with her mother was the starting point for her fiction.· The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand is seen as the starting point of the war.
the time when something begins, especially something unpleasant such as an illness: the onset of something: · Make sure to check your air conditioning before the onset of hot weather.· The onset of the Depression meant starvation and suffering for millions of people.· DiPietro's research shows that an active lifestyle can delay the onset of many diseases common with aging.
the first part of a story, book, film etc
· Schoolchildren are taught that stories should have a beginning, a middle and an end.the beginning of something · The beginning of the movie is very violent.· The author tells us who the killer is at the very beginning of the novel.
the point where a film, book, story etc begins: · I tried to read 'Tristram Shandy' but I couldn't get past the start.the start of something: · Not much happens at the start of the film -- don't worry if you're late.· Speakers often give an overview at the start of a lecture and a summary at the end.
the first part of a piece of writing that has several parts, especially parts that can be studied separately: · Children will enjoy this movie, though they may be confused during the first part.the first part of something: · The first part of this textbook deals with mechanics.· Please turn to the first part of the report, which relates to safety matters.
the first words or phrases of a book or play which are very important because they tell you about the scene, the characters, and the writer's ideas: · After a slow dream-like opening, the play explodes into life.the opening of: · The opening of Charles Dickens' 'Bleak House' describes a thick London fog.
not regularly
sometimes, but not very often and not regularly: · I only smoke every now and then, at a party or when we go out to eat.· Every so often the silence was broken by the sound of gunfire.
if you do something on and off or off and on during a long period, you do it for short periods but not regularly: · I've been trying to learn Spanish on and off for the past five years.· "Are you still going out with Bill?" "Off and on."
repeatedly starting and stopping, but not regularly and never for more than a short time: · Unfortunately our research has only continued in fits and starts.advance/grow/progress etc in fits and starts: · The disease progressed in fits and starts for at least two decades.· American military technology has advanced by fits and starts.
happening repeatedly but not continuously: · There will be intermittent thunderstorms throughout the day.· After two days of intermittent fighting, order was finally restored.
happening repeatedly over a fairly long time but not regularly and only for short periods within that time: · Our advertising campaigns have been too sporadic to have had a lot of success.· Since then he has been on sporadic drinking binges.sporadic fighting/violence/shots/outbreaks etc: · There was rioting and sporadic fighting in the city as rival gangs clashed.· sporadic outbreaks of disease
if something happens in waves , a short period of activity is followed by a pause, and then there is another short period of activity and another pause, and it continues in this way: · The recruitment of new staff has been proceeding in waves.· Pain and nausea swept over him in waves.
WORD SETS
ace, nounace, verbacrobat, nounacrobatic, adjectiveacrobatics, nounaction replay, nounaerobic, adjectiveaim, nounaim, verball-American, adjectiveall-seater, adjectivearena, nounAstroTurf, nounattack, verbaway, adverbaway, adjectiveback, nounbackhand, nounbackhanded, adjectivebackhander, nounbackspin, nounball, nounball game, nounbaseline, nounbat, nounbench, verbbleachers, nounblock, nounbobble, verbbout, nounbowl, nounbowl, verbbowling alley, nounbowling ball, nounbowling green, nounbox, nounbox, verbboxer, nounbronze, nounbronze medal, nounbye, nouncall, verbcall, nouncap, verbcaptain, nouncaptain, verbcaptaincy, nounchange, verbchanging room, nouncheer, nouncheerleader, nouncheerleading, nounchip, nounchip, verbcircuit training, nounclose season, nounclubhouse, nouncoach, nounconference, nouncontender, nouncourse, nouncourse, verbcourt, nouncover, verbcross, verbcross, nouncross-country, adjectivecrown, nouncup, nouncup final, nouncup tie, nouncurve, noundead, adjectivedecider, noundefence, noundefend, verbdefender, noundefensive, adjectivederby, noundisallow, verbdisqualify, verbdivision, noundivot, noundown, adverbdraft, noundraw, verbdraw, noundribble, verbdribble, noundrive, noundrop, verbdrop goal, noundropkick, noundrop shot, noundrubbing, noundugout, nouneleven, numberequalize, verbequalizer, nouneven, adjectiveevent, nounface, nounfast, adjectivefavourite, nounfeint, nounfield, verbfielder, nounfieldsman, nounfield sports, nounfight, verbfight, nounfighter, nounfinalist, nounfirst half, nounfirst-string, adjectivefixture, nounflat, adjectiveflip, nounfollow-through, nounfootball, nounfootwork, nounform, nounfoul, nounfoul line, nounfriendly, adjectivefull-court press, nounfull time, nounfumble, verbgala, noungame, noungame point, noungate, noungoal, noungoalie, noungoalkeeper, noungoalless, adjectivegoal line, noungoalmouth, noungoalpost, noungoaltender, noungold, noungold medal, noungrand slam, noungrandstand, nounground staff, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhalf, nounhalfback, nounhalf nelson, nounhalf-time, nounhammer, nounhandball, nounhand-eye co-ordination, nounhandicap, nounhandspring, nounhandstand, nounhat trick, nounhead start, nounheat, nounheavy, adjectivehiding, nounhome, adjectivein, adverbinfield, nouninjury time, nouninterference, nouninternational, nounjersey, nounjock, nounjockstrap, nounjogging suit, nounjump, nounjump ball, nounjumper, nounjumping jack, nounjump shot, nounjunior varsity, nounlane, nounleague table, nounletter, nounletter, verblevel, verblineman, nounlinesman, nounline-up, nounlocker, nounlocker room, nounluge, nounmallet, nounmanager, nounmark, verbmassacre, nounmassacre, verbmatch, nounmedal, nounmedallist, nounmeeting, nounMexican wave, nounmidfield, nounmisfield, verbmixed doubles, nounmotocross, nounmotor racing, nounmuff, verbmusclebound, adjectivemuscleman, nounnet, nounnet, verbnetball, nounnil, nounno ball, nounoarsman, nounoarswoman, nounobstruction, nounoffense, nounoffensive, adjectiveoffside, adjectiveOlympiad, nounOlympic, adjectiveOlympic Games, the, onside, adjectiveopener, nounopponent, nounout, adverbout, nounoutdistance, verboutsider, nounoverarm, adjectiveoverhand, adjectiveown goal, nounpacesetter, nounpass, verbpass, nounPE, nounpenalty, nounpep rally, nounperiod, nounphoto finish, nounphysical education, nounpitch, nounplace kick, nounplayable, adjectiveplay-by-play, nounplayer, nounplaying field, nounplay-off, nounpoint, nounpole, verbposition, nounpossession, nounpost, nounpreliminary, nounpro-am, nounprofessionalism, nounpromote, verbpromotion, nounPT, nounpull, verbpull-up, nounpummel, verbpunchbag, nounqualifier, nounqualify, verbquarter-final, nounrace, verbracetrack, nounracing, adjectiveracket, nounrain check, nounrally, nounrecord, nounrecord-holder, nounrecreation ground, nounref, nounreferee, nounreferee, verbregatta, nounrelay, nounrelay race, nounrelegate, verbreplay, verbreplay, nounrerun, verbreserve, nounretire, verbreturn, verbrevenge, nounringside, nounroll, nounrookie, nounround, nounround robin, nounrunner, nounrunner-up, nounrun-up, nounsave, verbsave, nounscore, nounscore, verbscorer, nounscratch, verbscratch, adjectivescreen, nounscrimmage, nounselector, nounsemi, nounsemi-final, nounsemi-finalist, nounsemi-professional, adjectiveserve, verbserve, nounserver, nounservice, nounset, nounshoot, verbshoot, nounshot, nounsideline, nounsilver, nounsilver medal, nounskate, nounskipper, nounslaughter, verbslice, verbslick, nounslump, nounsnowmobile, nounsnowshoe, nounsomersault, nounsouthpaw, nounspar, verbsparring partner, nounspectate, verbspectator, nounspectator sport, nounspin, nounsports centre, nounsports day, nounsportsmanship, nounsporty, adjectivespot, verbsprint, verbsquad, nounstadium, nounstagger, verbstart, nounstarter, nounstarting blocks, nounstayer, nounstick, nounstraight, nounstrip, nounstroke, nounstud, nounsub, nounsudden death, nounsweatband, nounsweatpants, nounsweat suit, nountackle, verbtackle, nountalent scout, nountarget, nounteam-mate, nounthree-legged race, nounthrow, nounthrust, verbtie, nountiebreaker, nountight, adjectivetime, verbtimekeeper, nountime out, nountitle, nountitle holder, nountopspin, nountoreador, nountour, nountournament, nountrack, nountrain, verbtransfer fee, nountrophy, nountryout, nounumpire, nounumpire, verbunbeatable, adjectiveundecided, adjectiveunderarm, adverbunderhand, adverbunplaced, adjectiveuppercut, nounvarsity, nounvolley, nounvolley, verbwalking, nounwarm-up, nounwet suit, nounwhippet, nounwhistle, verbwhistle, nounwin, nounwing, nounwinger, nounworkout, nounwristband, noun
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives
· A 3-0 win is a good start for the team.
(=a very good start)· The appeal got off to a flying start at the weekend when the group held a raffle.
(=a good start that makes success seem likely)· Her teacher says she's made a promising start in learning Spanish.
· Things got off to a bad start when two people turned up late.
(=a rather bad start)· After a shaky start, they managed two wins in five matches.
· He accepted full responsibility for the club’s disappointing start to the season.
· Work got off to a very slow start because of bad weather.
(=one that makes it seem likely that something will be good or bad)· His second term in office has got off to an extremely inauspicious start.
· It was long trip so we had planned an early start.
verbs
· On your first day at work, you want to get off to a good start.
· He made a flying start at college, but then he didn't manage to keep it up.
· We’ve had a disappointing start but we are hoping to improve.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
 He moved to America to start afresh.
· He was deliberately trying to start an argument.· Money often causes arguments.
 Saccani’s excellent recording is an auspicious start to what promises to be a distinguished musical career.
(=start a story or activity at the first part)· Just start at the beginning and tell us exactly what happened.
 Higgins had started at the bottom (=in a low position in a company) and worked his way up to become managing director.
· The bank gave me a loan to help me set up in business.
· When you’re starting a business, you have to work longer hours.
· Jacobson started his banking career in 1990.
· His character is introduced at the beginning of the first chapter.
· I think I might start a stamp collection.
· Two years later he started his own software company.
(=make it start working)
· My computer takes ages to start up in the morning.
· Developers are planning to begin construction on a new housing project.
· She suddenly started to cry.
(=do something at the beginning of a day)· You should start the day with a good breakfast.
 The plan was doomed from the start.
· I fastened my seat belt and turned on the engine.
· They started a fight in the crowded bar.
 The day was a disaster from start to finish (=from the beginning until the end).
· The fire may have been started by a cigarette.
· It was too damp to light a fire.
 The appeal has got off to a flying start, with over £200,000 raised in the first week.
 I hope Jim and I can get back together and make a fresh start.
· Their friendship started after they met at a conference.
· Ben and some friends started a rock group at school.
 Give your children a head start by sending them to nursery school.
· You’re not going out until you’ve finished your homework.
 an inauspicious start
· He began the journey home across London.
· He suddenly began to laugh.
 This was his first match in the starting line-up (=the players who begin the game).
· Peace negotiations started last week.
· The following recipes are a good starting point for making your own bread.
· Ticket prices start from £39.00.
(also institute proceedings formal)· They threatened to begin legal proceedings against him.
· It had started to rain again.
· She is in no hurry to start another relationship.
 Rangers got off to a rocky start this season.
(=the salary someone gets when they start a job)· The starting salary for a hotel manager is $26,400.
· Children in Britain start school when they are five.
 We had to start again from scratch.
 the lengthening days that signal the end of winter
 It started snowing around five.
 The runners set off from a standing start.
· The beginning of term was only two days away.
· The young started a trend toward living in the downtown area.
(also enter university formal)· Some people take a year off before they start university.
 Sales improved after an unpromising start.
· He started work as a trainee accountant.
· Work had already started on the bridge when the error was spotted.
· They moved here at the beginning of last year.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· In the difficult job of getting through one's life happily, she had made a bad start.· The bold event got off to a bad start.· From that bad start, many little rotten apples grew.· It was the worst start in the history of sports.· In an area with no obstetric service there is logic in this, but babies get the worst start in life.· Three successive defeats, the latest at Stirling, mean Hawick's worst League start.
· Dennis excused himself, saying he had to make an early start the following morning.· After an early start we were soon out of the city and climbing.· Or get an early start on that long weekend commute, then catch up from home.· He tells the driver that tomorrow will require an even earlier start.
· However, you also need to give yourself a flying start by stimulating the circulation through massage and natural herbal extracts.· Racers, once the top team in Britain, will want a flying start to the season to reassert themselves.· David Currie gave Barnsley a flying start, scoring after 31 seconds, and Andy Rammell added their second.· But this year it was Cairngorm, further east, which got off to the flying start.· The appeal got off to a flying start at the weekend when the group held a jumble sale and raffle.· It's given them a flying start ahead of their Japenese competitors, who until now were the traditional market leaders in electronics.
· The prisoners welfare group Nacro, says every prisoner leaving jail should be given at least the basics to make a fresh start.· He talked about fresh air and fresh starts.· Bankruptcy proceedings free you from overwhelming debts so that you can make a fresh start, subject to restrictions.· It was spring, and he was making a fresh start.· Yet we hanker after wider experience and a fresh start.· It gives you a fresh start.· Why not make a completely fresh start some place else?· Then make a fresh start on a more efficient brand of government activism for the future.
· He'd made a good start but now he was faltering, and the focus of attention was drifting slowly away from him.· The Bears had better start grabbing on to something, anything, as the outlook on the season suddenly turned very grim.· But it wasn't a good start in the lessons of love, and left me very arid in such matters.· McFaul is among the analysts who said Yeltsin made a good start with the Chechnya peace plan.· You've got off to a good start, Deirdra, so keep writing - and reading!
· A new start, far away from Hugh, in this novel but secure haven.· If you had the additional capital to go all-out for a new start I'd say it was almost a certainty.· The tribal order remained stable while its members experienced a new start.· That's what making a new start is all about.· But it was a new start.· The Lord told him plainly that entering the Kingdom demanded a new start.
· A fuel shortage got the holiday season off to a rocky start, and promises to cause further problems this month.· Despite this happy event, the marriage seemingly got off to a rocky start.· The rocky start was caused by traders who thought they detected a whiff of inflation in the air.
· He converted nine in a row at one point, after a shaky start.· We took them, after a shaky start, to the cleaners.· Their work together got off to a shaky start.· In that context, 22-year-old Faulkner said the shaky start to coeducation at the Citadel was little wonder.· After a shaky start, the president now gets a better than 50 percent approval rating in opinion polls here.
· After a slow start John Campbell managed to raise a further £90 for the Fund.· But the council got off to a painfully slow start.· But Mercury is making a slow start.· He has had a very slow start this season, though.· Garah, who split a pastern last year, overcame a slow start to win the Stetchworth Maiden Stakes.· And the work got off to a very slow start.· The picture is one of a slow start followed by years of sustained rapid growth.· In spite of this painfully slow start, today he is a millionaire.
NOUN
· At least that's what I was telling myself at the start line of the Bury 20.· For obvious reasons, laser beams or submerged fluorescent wires can not be used to mark the start line.· As I clicked my stopwatch at the start line it began to rain.· Until the armoured regiment had crossed its start line, the armoured infantry would pause momentarily in forward holding areas.· As the group moved at best speed towards the start line, evidence of the recent tank battle littered the area.· The race begins with all riders on the start line waiting behind a backwards falling start gate.
· As it's circular there's a choice of start points including the main towns on the route -.· Between the loch and your start point at Caldons campsite you need to follow a short section of the Water of Trool.· Spitfire restorations to airworthy status have notoriously exceeded initial estimates of timing and cost, irrespective of start point condition.· You can change this start point if required.· The storm abates a bit, and there is no problem in reaching our start point.· Go left here, along the valley floor before turning left again to return to your start point over the high moors.
VERB
· However, you also need to give yourself a flying start by stimulating the circulation through massage and natural herbal extracts.· So give her a head start.· Belasco gave DeMille his start in the theater.· Our comprehensive range of services has been developed to make sure that your business is given the best possible start.· Keith Tower was given his first start of the season and played a season-high 26 minutes.
· I should have mentioned that Joe Lawley and Graham Lloyd have already made a start with tree clearance.· Necessary jobs are helping to clear up the smaller branches and making a start on repointing the bridge itself.· We have made quite a start, under the seal of the Citizen's Charter.· And it's obvious that he's made a start with the clunch pit murder; but that isn't noted either.· Of course, these ideas are just a few ways of making a beautiful start at Allied.· He's made a good start, now comes the big push.· Barwick had earlier made a spectacular start to this day, opening up with three straight birdies.
· For me their arrival marks the start of summer.· At the foot of the park a rainbow of balloons marks the start of the parade.· For obvious reasons, laser beams or submerged fluorescent wires can not be used to mark the start line.· It also marked the start of a full-court press on the federal government.· Tuesday, a groundbreaking ceremony at the bridge will mark the start of the first $ 35 million phase of the project.· We are marking the start of the new-look soccer season with a super full-colour wallchart, featuring all 22 teams.
· This signalled the start of the victory celebrations as Randalstown swamped the Victorians circle.· I love the sweet bell that ends the round, and hate its sour, doomsday note when it signals the start.· They use intonational cues to signal the start of a new paragraph.· In fact, it is the greed that serves to signal the start of his entrepreneurship.· An eerie blast on a horn signalled the start of the ceremony and the crowd became silent.· Then when ready, they push a button to signal the start of their 40 shots that make up the first round.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • I don't think she'll get the job. She's too young, for a start.
  • For instance, a trip to the seaside is out for a start.
  • I had no religion for a start, though I had developed respect for the Church through knowing Monsignor.
  • Lovejoy himself is firmly in the tradition of the likeable rogue - no first name for a start.
  • Pretty strong inns all along the coach road, for a start.
  • Ryan Stromsborg, a sophomore from Notre Dame High, is challenging for a starting spot in the infield and outfield.
  • They were small groups for a start.
  • You have to understand that, for a start.
  • You won't like my hair, for a start.
  • A lot younger than Rex, and I was starting to feel it.
  • All you have to do is start up your Web browser.
  • Antonio is a starting point guard for Bowling Green State University.
  • But weeks had passed, and the results from the new approach were starting to kick in.
  • By the end of 1942, the great year of success for the Axis, things were starting to change dramatically.
  • By the time John parked in Sloane Crescent the sun had vanished behind lowering cloud, and it was starting to rain.
  • If possible, an annual programme of calf vaccination should be started.
  • The shop was started by the Neal brothers back in the 1870s.
► starts
  • I should have mentioned that Joe Lawley and Graham Lloyd have already made a start with tree clearance.
  • In the 1980s, we made a start, privatising those industries Government ran so badly.
  • It was decided therefore, to make a start upon upgrading the existing fleet by adopting improved technology wherever possible.
  • Mailing designs home to be printed on samples sewn by his mum, Wells made a start in sports couture.
  • Nick made a start at restoring the ravaged wreck, but sadly died before much was done.
  • Now we are pledged to cut tax rates again - and have made a start on the road to 20p Income Tax.
  • That's why we should now make a start on reminding ourselves of the relevance of our own particular life story.
  • We have paper and ink here - make a start now if you have not already.
  • A good start is one where you pass close behind the start boat going at speed.
  • But it wasn't a good start in the lessons of love, and left me very arid in such matters.
  • He had better start by accepting that if he does the right things, they will not be popular ones.
  • It wasn't a very good start.
  • Not a good start, but a start, nevertheless.
  • The auditor may enjoy the gifts, but he had better start looking for a sympathy engram not yet suspected or tapped.
  • The problem was the middle and end, when the team sacrificed rebounding for getting out to a good start.
  • They will, however, be getting a new center, and that is a good start, he believes.
  • I tried to read Tristan Shandy but I couldn't get past the start.
  • Not much happens at the start of the film -- don't worry if you're late.
  • Speakers often give an overview at the start of a lecture and a summary at the end.
  • The horses were all lined up at the start.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
  • Los Angeles was regarded as the place to begin life anew.
  • And then silence again and the whole sequence begins anew.
  • If nothing else, the legal clock on the case will likely start anew when it returns to the trial court.
  • She was fresher now, more confident; confident enough to scrap the entire chapter and begin anew.
  • The reaction would start anew, but this time with no way to remove its heat.
  • The sun floods in, young plants shoot upwards and the struggle starts anew as the winners block light from their inferiors.
  • We should at least be able to start anew with some element of hope.
  • When this landmass begins to warm up that section of the mantle, the cycle begins anew.
  • Ali MacGraw set the ball rolling with Love Story.
  • And laughter is infectious ... so a little bit of effort on the small screen could start the ball rolling.
  • Does that make a difference, or did he and others just start the ball rolling?
  • He will keep the ball rolling.
  • Her words started the ball rolling.
  • To start the ball rolling, the government was asked to contribute £1 million.
  • Volume 2 deals with general idioms e.g. keep the ball rolling, the proof of the pudding.
  • Wolves play a similar style, and at times one yearned for some one to set the ball rolling ... literally.
► bring somebody up short/with a start
  • The clock is stopped when a player runs out of bounds with the ball.
  • If you are bled totally dry and white, they will simply stop the clock.
  • Some expend tremendous energy desperately trying to stop the clock.
  • You start the clock, paint the glue, fit the pieces, block the cramps.
  • After an early start we were soon out of the city and climbing.
  • Dennis excused himself, saying he had to make an early start the following morning.
  • Everything must be ready for an early start tomorrow.
  • Good judgement of conditions, an early start and a fast, efficient ascent are essential to avoid such torrid descent.
  • Have you got an early start?
  • Or get an early start on that long weekend commute, then catch up from home.
  • Surely an early start on atoms and molecules must somehow be brought about.
  • We had an earlier start than I expected and now we are taking more time to turn the corner.
  • Electoral reform is moving ahead in fits and starts.
  • Although change often unfolds in fits and starts, organisations can learn to improve.
  • But civilization was approaching in fits and starts.
  • But his proposals for electoral reform, now moving ahead in fits and starts, contain no such provision.
  • He spoke in fits and starts.
  • It has continued in fits and starts ever since.
  • The conversation is awkward, moving in fits and starts.
  • This means the machine tends to go forward in fits and starts, sometimes quite quickly but at other times embarrassingly slowly.
  • David Currie gave Barnsley a flying start, scoring after 31 seconds, and Andy Rammell added their second.
  • However, you also need to give yourself a flying start by stimulating the circulation through massage and natural herbal extracts.
  • It's given them a flying start ahead of their Japenese competitors, who until now were the traditional market leaders in electronics.
  • Racers, once the top team in Britain, will want a flying start to the season to reassert themselves.
  • That nagging thought deepened as the captain came in first, and gave the innings a flying start.
  • The appeal got off to a flying start at the weekend when the group held a jumble sale and raffle.
  • Video-Taped report follows Voice over Despite missing 7 first team regulars Gloucester got off to a flying start.
  • Well, it seems we have a flying start.
► start/get off on the wrong/right foot
  • Around six years ago, she departed for California to make a fresh start.
  • Bankruptcy proceedings free you from overwhelming debts so that you can make a fresh start, subject to restrictions.
  • Every week is a fresh start.
  • It gives you a fresh start.
  • It was spring, and he was making a fresh start.
  • She decided to travel back to this country and make a fresh start.
  • The prisoners welfare group Nacro, says every prisoner leaving jail should be given at least the basics to make a fresh start.
  • Then make a fresh start on a more efficient brand of government activism for the future.
  • What we need, it argues, is a fresh start.
► get off to a good/bad etc start
  • But Effie Bawn was in at the start.
Word family
WORD FAMILYnounstartstarter ≠ non-starterrestartverbstartrestart
1of an activity/event [countable usually singular] the first part of an activity or event, or the point at which it begins to developstart of We arrived late and missed the start of the film.(right) from the start We’ve had problems with this project right from the start. She read the letter from start to finish without looking up.get off to a good/bad etc start (=begin well or badly) a free bottle of wine to get your holiday off to a great starta rocky/shaky/slow etc start (=a bad beginning) After a rocky start, the show is now very popular. He wanted an early start on his election campaign.► see thesaurus at beginning2of a period of time [countable usually singular] the first part of a particular period of time SYN  beginningstart of Since the start of 1992, the company has doubled in size.the start of the year/day/season the start of an election year3make a start (on something) to begin doing something:  I’ll make a start on the washing-up.4sudden movement [singular] a sudden movement of your body, usually caused by fear or surprisewith a start Ted woke up with a start and felt for the light switch. She said his name, and Tom gave a start (=made a sudden movement).5good/better/healthy etc start (in life) if you have a good etc start, you have all the advantages or opportunities that your situation, your parents etc could provide to help you succeed:  Good health care for the mother before birth gives babies a healthy start. Naturally we want to give our kids the best possible start in life.6where race begins the start the place where a race begins:  The horses were all lined up at the start.7being ahead [countable usually singular] the amount of time or distance by which one person is ahead of another, especially in a race or competitionstart on The prisoners had a three-hour start on their pursuers. → head start(2)8for a start British English informal used to emphasize the first of a list of facts or opinions you are stating:  Well, for a start, the weather was horrible.9be a start spoken used to say that something you have achieved may not be impressive, but it will help with a bigger achievement:  One exercise class a week isn’t enough, but it’s a start.10job a)[countable usually singular] the beginning of someone’s job, which they will develop in the future, especially a job that involves acting, writing, painting etc:  Pacino got his start on the stage, before his success in films. I gave you your start, so remember me when you win the Pulitzer Prize. b)[countable usually plural] a job that has just started, a business that has just been started, or someone who has just started a new job:  The number of business starts plummeted 10.5% during the second half of the year. a training course for new starts11starts (also housing starts) [plural] technical when people begin to build a number of new houses12sport [countable usually plural] a)a race or competition that someone has taken part in:  The horse Exotic Wood was unbeaten in five starts. b)an occasion when a player plays when a sports match begins:  Jackson played in 353 games, with 314 starts. → false start, → fresh start at fresh1(4), → in/by fits and starts at fit3(7)COLLOCATIONSadjectivesa good/great start· A 3-0 win is a good start for the team.a flying start (=a very good start)· The appeal got off to a flying start at the weekend when the group held a raffle.a promising start (=a good start that makes success seem likely)· Her teacher says she's made a promising start in learning Spanish.a bad/poor/disastrous start· Things got off to a bad start when two people turned up late.a rocky/shaky start (=a rather bad start)· After a shaky start, they managed two wins in five matches.a disappointing start· He accepted full responsibility for the club’s disappointing start to the season.a slow start· Work got off to a very slow start because of bad weather.an auspicious/inauspicious start (=one that makes it seem likely that something will be good or bad)· His second term in office has got off to an extremely inauspicious start.an early/late start· It was long trip so we had planned an early start.verbsget off to a good/bad etc start· On your first day at work, you want to get off to a good start.make a good/bad/early etc start· He made a flying start at college, but then he didn't manage to keep it up.have a good/bad etc start· We’ve had a disappointing start but we are hoping to improve.
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更新时间：2024/12/22 23:54:01