from the word go

English

WOTD – 9 January 2012

Etymology

Suggesting a footrace that is begun with the word "go".

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Adverb

from the word go (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) From the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.

   I watched him closely from the word go because I did not trust him.

   • 1900, Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim, page xxiii. 177:

     "I promise to take care of myself. Yes; I won't take any risks. Not a single blessed risk. Of course not. I mean to hang out. Don't worry. Jove! I feel as though nothing could touch me. Why! this is luck from the word Go."

Synonyms

• from the get-go

Translations

from the very beginning

• Finnish: alusta alkaen
• German: vom ersten Moment an
• Latvian: no paša sākuma