on your marks
Prepare to begin
On your marks is a command signaling competitors to move into starting position before a race.
The full sequence—On your marks, get set, go! —structures the start: first assume position, then prepare to spring, then move.
Figuratively, it signals imminent action: On your marks for the holiday shopping season.
Arrange in position
- readySuitable for use now
- poisedCalm and controlled
- primedMade ready beforehand
- alertWarning or watchfulness
prepared · focused · steady · waiting · braced · tensed · locked in · dialed in
Compact one-handed firearm
- gunshotFirearm's explosive report
- starterInitiator of action
- buzzerElectric signaling device
- goMove from here
bang · crack · shot · report · cue · command · call · announcement
Backward enumeration to zero
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- tensionStretched or strained state
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
eagerness · await · buildup · adrenaline · nerves · butterflies · heart pounding · coiled
Competition of speed
- sprintBrief maximum-speed effort
- marathonLong-distance footrace
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
- heatsIncreases temperature
finals · semifinals · qualifiers · championship · tournament · athletics · track meet · Olympics
Anchored footrests for racers
- crouchLow bent-knee stance
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
- set positionPre-start athletic crouch
- hands downWithout any doubt
set
Arrange in position
alert · prepared · focused · steady · waiting · braced · tensed · locked in · dialed in · game face
pistol
Compact one-handed firearm
go · bang · crack · shot · report · cue · command · call · announcement · loudspeaker
countdown
Backward enumeration to zero
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- tensionStretched or strained state
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
excitement · eagerness · await · buildup · adrenaline · nerves · butterflies · heart pounding · coiled · electric
race
Competition of speed
heats · finals · semifinals · qualifiers · championship · tournament · athletics · track meet · Olympics · event
starting blocks
Anchored footrests for racers
- crouchLow bent-knee stance
- stanceStanding posture or viewpoint
- set positionPre-start athletic crouch
hands down · fingertips · head down · alignment · staggered start
- game startskickoff, tip-off, tipoff, face-off, puck drop
- countdownscountdown timer, countdown clock, T-minus, tick tock, ticking
on your marksin motion
Currently changing position
running · off and running · at full speed · sprinting · stand down
your, yours, yourself, yourselves, mark, marks, marked, marking, marker