head start
Initial competitive advantage
A head start is an advantage gained by beginning before others or from a more favorable position.
In races, a head start means starting ahead of competitors: Give the kids a head start.
More broadly, it refers to any early advantage: Growing up bilingual gave her a head start in language learning.
The term implies that the advantage comes from timing or positioning rather than inherent superiority.
Boundary or sharpness
- upper handPosition of control
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- boostUpward push or increase
- jumpstartRevive with external power
lead · vantage · leg up · foothold · competitive edge · benefit · advancement · initiative
Likelihood of occurrence
- openingGap or start
- breakInterrupt continuity
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- gatewayPoint of access
springboard · launchpad · access · entry · pathway · door · avenue · foundation
Dense metal, symbol Pb
- front-runnerLikely winner
- paceSpeed of movement
- false startPremature beginning violation
- sprintBrief maximum-speed effort
breakaway · pacesetter · pole position · gun · jump · launching · acceleration · track
Exclusive right or benefit
- disparityMeasurable difference between things
- inequityUnfair distribution or treatment
- favoritismPreferential treatment of some
- silver spoonSymbol of inherited wealth
edge
Boundary or sharpness
- upper handPosition of control
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- boostUpward push or increase
jumpstart · lead · vantage · leg up · foothold · competitive edge · benefit · advancement · initiative · preeminence
chance
Likelihood of occurrence
gateway · springboard · launchpad · access · entry · pathway · door · avenue · foundation · stepping stone
lead
Dense metal, symbol Pb
- front-runnerLikely winner
- paceSpeed of movement
- false startPremature beginning violation
sprint · breakaway · pacesetter · pole position · gun · jump · launching · acceleration · track · dash
privilege
Exclusive right or benefit
- disparityMeasurable difference between things
- inequityUnfair distribution or treatment
- favoritismPreferential treatment of some
silver spoon · entitlement · birthright · unfair advantage · class divide
- Fast Startshit the ground running, off to the races, flying start, quick off the mark, jump start
- sports edgesadvantage, home field, home court, home ice, power play
- childcaredaycare, after-school programs, babysitter, nanny, babysitting
- advantagesedge, leverage, upper hand, leg up, dominance
- community programsafter-school programs, adult classes, summer programs, community center, family programs
- educational programsadult education, continuing education, extension courses, online courses, e-learning
head starthandicap
Imposed competitive disadvantage
disadvantage · setback · hindrance · impediment · obstacle
head startlate start
Commencement after scheduled time
slow start · coming from behind · false start · late arrival · behind the eight ball
ahead, startle, forehead, heading, starting, headed, starter, restart, headline