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Region: General | Usage example: Right out of the gate, the launch encountered high demand.

Right out of the gate

Meaning

Immediately from the start.

Usage

Used when describing immediate performance.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Starts of horse races when gates open.

Racing commentary passed into everyday speech in the 1900s.

Related Idioms

Get off on the right foot

Start something well.

Play your cards right

Act wisely to get a good result.

Barking up the right tree

Pursuing the correct idea or person.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.