THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
From the word go
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
From the very beginning of something.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The tutor made the expectations clear from the word go.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The tutor made the expectations clear ________.
Show the answer
From the word go — From the very beginning of something.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “From the word go” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
From the very beginning of something.
Compare: The tutor made the expectations clear from the word go.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it conversationally to emphasise that a situation, feeling or approach existed from the start.
More examples in context
- We worked well together from the word go.
- The project had transport problems right from the word go.
Usage note
“Right from the word go” adds emphasis. The expression identifies the starting point; it does not by itself say whether the beginning was good or bad.
A short conversation
A: When did you realise the timetable was unrealistic?
B: From the word go. The first task needed twice the time allowed.
A: We should revise the later sessions too.
One more practice question
When was a problem present if it existed from the word go?
A. At the very beginning.
B. Only after everything had finished.
Check your answer
A. The expression means from the start.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.