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3. out of the blocks

out of the blocks

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out of the (starting) blocks

at or from the very beginning out of the (starting) gate The company wanted to be first out of the blocks with the newest video game format.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of starting blocks (blocks a runner's shoes are placed against at the beginning of a race)

See also: block, of, out

out of the blocks

From a starting position, as in a race or contest: The company has in the past been slow out of the blocks to adapt to consumer tastes.

See also: block, of, out