starting-post

The runner places his foot against the starting-post.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A post marking the starting point in a race: In sports such as horse racing or athletics, the "starting-post" is the physical post or marker from which competitors begin the race.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The horses lined up at the starting-post, waiting for the signal. (The animals stood at the physical marker indicating the beginning of the race.)
  • Runners must place one foot behind the starting-post before the gun fires. (Athletes must be positioned correctly at the starting marker.)

Advanced Usage

• "at the starting-post": in the initial position of a race.

  • The competitors were all at the starting-post, ready to sprint. (They were in the correct position to begin.)

• "from starting-post to finish line": the entire duration of a race.

  • The race lasted only two minutes from starting-post to finish line. (The complete race distance.)

Variants and Related Words

• Starting block (n): a device used by runners to push off from at the start of a race.

  • The sprinter adjusted his starting block before the race. (A different starting aid, not the same as a post.)

• Starting gate (n): a mechanical barrier used to release horses or dogs at the start of a race.

  • The horses were loaded into the starting gate. (A different starting mechanism.)

Synonyms

• Starting line: the line marking the start of a race.
• Starting mark: a marker indicating the beginning point.

Phrasal Verbs

• (None directly with "starting-post"; the word is a noun and not used as a verb.)

Related Idioms

• Get off to a good start: to begin well (not directly using "starting-post" but related to starting).

  • The team got off to a good start in the first half. (They began successfully.)

• From the starting gate: from the very beginning (similar concept).

  • He was fast from the starting gate. (He was quick from the start.)