Sports. a start, as in the hop, step, and jump or the running broad jump, in which a contestant begins moving before reaching the starting or take-off point.
2.
an initial advantage in undertaking something; a head start:
His background gave him a running start in business.
Origin
1925-30
Examples from the web for running start
Griffin doesn't need a running start to go grab rebounds, nor a dribble or two to dunk from close range.
The heavy body and set back and apart legs require the pochard to get a running start on the water before flight.
Making a running start to move a heavy stationary load can stress a nylon tow rope or steel cable to the breaking point.
When faced with danger the birds get a running start, then take turns taking wing.
Sometimes an engine would sputter and fail, and the soldiers would huddle together to push the truck to a running start.
Idioms and Phrases with running start
running start
An initial advantage, as in His background in biochemistry gave him a running start in the field of genetics. This expression alludes to track events such as the running broad jump, in which one begins moving before reaching the actual take-off point. [ 1920s ]