starting gun
A "starting gun" is used both literally in sports and figuratively to signal the beginning of any event or activity.
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Definition
B2Athletics
(sports)A device that makes a loud noise to signal the beginning of a race.
Example
- The runners took off as soon as they heard the starting gun.
B2General
(figurative)An event or signal that initiates an action or process.
Example
- The announcement served as the starting gun for the project.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "starting gun":
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