Noun
(equestrianism, dog racing) A machine used to ensure a fair start to in horse dog racing by opening doors to allow the racing animals out at the same time.
(figuratively) The beginning
Source: en.wiktionary.orgAfter a steep drop out of the starting gate, the super-G course winds through a few gates before sending racers over a jump about midway down. Source: Internet
Brooklyn Kickball’s preseason favorites were tripped up at the starting gate while the league’s defending two-time champs continued their dominance as the sport of kings got underway for a ninth season in Greenpoint. Source: Internet
But with lawmakers still hashing out the current year budget and trying to wrap up loose ends on other bills, the governor’s plan for using last year’s surplus never got out of the starting gate. Source: Internet
From the outset, Gershon, a political outsider, broke out of the starting gate strong — and continued strong. Source: Internet
The temples to Ceres and Flora stood close together on the Aventine, more or less opposite the Circus' starting gate, which remained under Hercules' protection. Source: Internet
McGilligan, p. 272. With the production already $2 million over budget and everyone back at the starting gate, the studio pulled the plug on the project. Source: Internet