This british colloquialism apparently had the earlier sense of bracing one-self for an effort, probably in reference to the way runners pull up their socks before starting off on a race. Or the expression may … The meaning of start is to come into being, activity, or operation.

Synonym discussion of start. As a verb, start means to begin an activity or event. Some people turn to the last page of a book before they even start it, so they'll be prepared for the ending. Start can also mean to move suddenly in … Happening or used at the beginning of a process: The starting players in a team are the ones…. Learn more.

Happening or used at the beginning of a process: The starting players in a team are the ones…. Learn more. Here are some possible ways of starting a conversation or getting the audience's attention before a talk or speech: I didn’t start worrying/ to worry until she was 2 hours late. She started work in the mill …

She started work in the mill …