starting gun
Fires the beginning
A starting gun is a pistol fired to signal the beginning of a race, typically loaded with blanks to produce a loud report without projectiles.
The term extends to any signal that begins a competition or process: The Fed's rate cut was the starting gun for a market rally.
To jump the starting gun is to begin prematurely.
Sudden loud noise
- shotQuick liquor serving
- reportFormal written findings
- crackNarrow break or attempt
- fireCombustion with flames
trigger · blast · sound · cue · mark · countdown · on your marks · set position
Compact one-handed firearm
- trackPath or monitored route
- sprinterShort-distance racing specialist
- blocksObstructs or sections
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
marathon · dash · heats · lane · photo finish · pace · stadium · finish line
Opening play in football
- launchSet into motion
- onsetStarting point of something
- commencementAct of starting
- initiationFormal admission ceremony
genesis · outset · inception · catalyst · spark · trigger point · green light · opening bell
State of being prepared
- tensionStretched or strained state
- nervesTense apprehension
- focusConcentrated attention point
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
coiled · poised · alert · breath-holding · adrenaline · butterflies · preparation · waiting
bang
Sudden loud noise
fire · trigger · blast · sound · cue · mark · countdown · on your marks · set position · audible
pistol
Compact one-handed firearm
relay · marathon · dash · heats · lane · photo finish · pace · stadium · finish line · decathlon
kickoff
Opening play in football
- launchSet into motion
- onsetStarting point of something
- commencementAct of starting
initiation · genesis · outset · inception · catalyst · spark · trigger point · green light · opening bell · first step
readiness
State of being prepared
concentration · coiled · poised · alert · breath-holding · adrenaline · butterflies · preparation · waiting · stillness
- Sprintingsprint, dash, 100 meters, 200 meters, 100 meter dash
- mass start racing
- track and fieldtrack and field, sprinters, sprinter, sprinting, sprint
- game startskickoff, tip-off, tipoff, face-off, puck drop
- race elementsfinish, lap, finish line, lane, turn
- signal soundsdoorbell, alarm bell, bell toll, whistle, siren
starting gunfinish line
Race completion marker
checkered flag · finish · end · photo finish · final whistle
start, started, starting, starter, gunfire, starts, starters, starting line