From the get-go means from the very beginning or start.
Also used: from the word go
Origin of “From the Get-Go”
Dating from the early 1800’s, the expression probably alludes to the start of a race signaled by an official yelling go, as in “ready, set, GO!”
The alternative, “from the get-go” is much younger, having been used since the 1960’s. The allusion here is probably quite transparent since the idiom seems to be a short-hand version of “since (something) got going.”
Sentence Examples
“It turns out the bank president was in on the scam from the word go.”
“I was a part of this company from the word go and now it’s finally time to retire.”
“I told you from the get-go not to depend on Roger, he’s never been reliable.”
Similar and Related Idioms
- Right Off the Bat: immediately, instantly, from the very beginning, or before doing anything else; also used conversationally to mean “at this exact moment” or “without time to think.”
- At the Drop of a Hat: Immediately, promptly, and without any hesitation.
- Out of the Gate: Starting quickly or immediately at the very beginning of a competition.
- Get In On the Ground Floor: To become involved in something, often a business or enterprise from the very beginning or early stages of its development.