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start in

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start someone in (as something)

 and start someone out (as something)

to start someone on a job as a certain kind of worker. I got a job in a restaurant today. They started me in as a dishwasher. I now work for the telephone company. They started me out as a local operator.

See also: start

start in

Begin, as in He started in serving, without taking any practice. [Late 1800s] Also see start out.

See also: start

start in

v.

1. To begin something with determination: She dumped the puzzle pieces on the table and started in. After she had prepared the appetizers, the chef started in on the main course.

2. start in on To criticize someone harshly: As soon as I walked in the door, my parents started in on me for being late.

See also: start