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start off

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start off

to begin; to set out on a journey. When do you want to start off? We will start off as soon as we can get everything packed.

See also: off, start

start off

(by doing something) to begin a process by doing a particular thing first. Can I start off by singing the school song? That's a good way to start off.

See also: off, start

start off

 (on something)

1. to begin a series or sequence. Today I start off on the first volume of my trilogy. I am ready to start off now.

2. to begin a journey. When do we start off on our trip? I'm ready to start off. What about you?

See also: off, start

start someone off (on something)

to cause someone to begin on a task or job. I have to start Jeff off on this task, then I will talk to you. I will start off my workers on the job tomorrow.

See also: off, start

start off

1. Set out on a trip, as in We plan to start off in the morning. [Early 1800s] Also see start out.

2. start someone off. Cause someone to set out or to begin something, as in Mother packed their lunches and started them off, or Paul started them off on their multiplication tables. [Early 1700s] For start off on the right foot, see get off on the right foot.

See also: off, start

start off

v.

1. To begin in a specified way: The company started off with only two employees. Let's start off with an appetizer. The director of the play had started off as a stagehand 30 years ago.

2. To begin a journey: The climbers started off after breakfast.

See also: off, start