early innings
First few frames
Early innings comes from baseball, where a nine-inning game divides into early, middle, and late phases.
The phrase describes the beginning stage of any extended process, when much remains undecided: We're still in the early innings of this negotiation.
It implies patience—there's plenty of time for things to develop or change.
Common in business and investing contexts.
Initial point of something
- startTo set going
- commencementAct of starting
- launchSet into motion
- kickoffOpening play in football
genesis · dawn · infancy · inception · foundation · groundwork · preliminary · first steps
Latent capacity for development
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- possibilityState of being achievable
- openingGap or start
- windowGlass-fitted wall opening
upside · runway · untapped · unexplored · chance · long game · patience · strategic positioning
outset
Initial point of something
- startTo set going
- commencementAct of starting
- launchSet into motion
kickoff · genesis · dawn · infancy · inception · foundation · groundwork · preliminary · first steps · nascent
potential
Latent capacity for development
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- possibilityState of being achievable
- openingGap or start
window · upside · runway · untapped · unexplored · chance · long game · patience · strategic positioning · first mover
pitcher
Pouring vessel or hurler
mound · dugout · bullpen · strikeout · walk · hit · run · score · lead · deficit
- game beginningsfirst quarter, first period, first set, kickoff, tipoff
- innings
early inningslate innings
Final portion of game
ninth inning · home stretch · endgame · end game · final stretch
early inningsforegone conclusion
Result assumed beforehand
done deal · game over · decided · sealed fate · wrapped up
early inningscrunch time
High-pressure final stretch
do-or-die · clutch time · sudden death · decisive moment · make-or-break