idiom · informal
get a head start (on)
UK/ɡet ə ˌhɛd ˈstɑːt/US/ɡet ə ˌhɛd ˈstɑrt/get·a·head·START
to start earlier than others so you have an advantage
Examples
“I took extra classes over the summer to get a head start on my university course.”
“Arriving early to revise gave her a head start before the exam began.”
“Parents often enroll children in tuition so they can get a head start in competitive schools.”
Band 8 sentence
“I decided to take an intensive summer course to get a head start on my university modules, so I wouldn't feel overwhelmed in the first term.”
Collocations
- get a head start on (something/someone)
- give someone a head start
Word family
Common mistakes
She got a head start her classmates.→She got a head start on her classmates.
He has the head start in the exam.→He has a head start in the exam.
Say it for a higher band
5start earlier→6have an advantage→7+get a head start (on)
Synonyms
get ahead
gain an advantage
Easily confused
get ahead
“She worked extra hours to get ahead at work.”
Related words
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In Study
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