starting block
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to be ready to go
To be ready to begin something; to be just about to start a project, an activity, or a new phase.
Das neue Projekt steht bereits in den Startlöchern und kann nächste Woche beginnen.
The new project is already ready to go and can begin next week.
The word is made up of 'der Start' (the start) and 'das Loch' (the hole). It originally comes from athletics, where runners used to dig small holes to help them start.
Der Läufer ging in die Hocke und positionierte seine Füße in den Startlöchern.
The runner crouched down and positioned his feet in the starting blocks.
The expression 'in den Startlöchern stehen' (to be ready to go) is almost always used in the plural. It means that someone or something is ready to begin. The subject of the sentence is the person or project that is ready.
Die Musiker stehen für ihre Tournee bereits in den Startlöchern.
The musicians are already ready to go for their tour.
The literal meaning of 'Startloch' (starting block / starting hole) is found almost exclusively in a sports context, especially in athletics. Typical verbs here are 'kauern' (to crouch), 'hocken' (to squat / crouch), or 'sich begeben' (to move / go into position).
Die Sprinter kauerten in den Startlöchern und warteten auf den Schuss.
The sprinters crouched in the starting blocks and waited for the shot.
You can recognize the figurative meaning when the topic is projects, plans, or abstract undertakings. The literal meaning always refers to athletes in a competition.
Das neue Gesetz steht in den Startlöchern.
The new law is ready to go.