from the word go: Idiom Meaning and Origin

from the get-go is another idiomatic expression that is closely related to "from the word go." It is used in American English to mean the same thing - from the very beginning. This phrase originated in the mid-20th century and is often used interchangeably with "from the word go" to emphasize the uninterrupted nature of an action or situation.

Similar to "from the word go," "from the get-go" may have originated from the world of sports, particularly in reference to the start of a game or competition. In some sports, the phrase "get set, go" is used to start a race or event, and "from the get-go" could have evolved from this command to mean the beginning of any action.

Another related idiom is "from the ground up." This expression is used to describe something that is built or created completely from the beginning, without any existing foundation or structure. It suggests a process that starts with the very basics and gradually develops into something more complex. While "from the word go" emphasizes the continuous nature of an action, "from the ground up" emphasizes the comprehensive and thorough nature of a building process.

out of the gate is yet another related idiom that carries a similar meaning to "from the word go." It is often used to describe a fast or quick start to an action or situation. This expression is derived from horse racing, where the horses burst out of the starting gate at the beginning of a race. The phrase "out of the gate" is commonly used to convey a rapid start or immediate action.

Similarly, "from scratch" is an idiom that conveys the idea of starting from the very beginning. However, it specifically refers to starting without any pre-existing materials or resources. It suggests that something is created or developed using only the most basic and fundamental elements. While "from the word go" emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of an action, "from scratch" emphasizes the absence of any pre-existing foundation or components.

in the first place is another related idiom that carries a similar meaning to "from the word go." It is often used to suggest that something should have been done or considered from the very beginning. This idiom is typically used to express criticism or regret about a decision or action that was made without considering all the necessary factors. It implies that the action or decision was flawed or illogical from the start.

"from the word go" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that has been happening or continuing since the very beginning. It can be related to other idioms such as "from the get-go," "from the ground up," "out of the gate," "from scratch," and "in the first place." These idioms emphasize the uninterrupted or continuous nature of an action or situation, as well as the thoroughness or completeness of a process. While the exact origin of "from the word go" remains uncertain, it remains a commonly used and recognized idiom in contemporary American English.