a slow start

idiom

: lack of success at first

Despite a slow start at the box office, the movie's popularity has increased steadily.

The team got off to a slow start this season but is playing well now.

Examples of a slow start in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cam Johnson is a genuine player to build around, and Nic Claxton worked his way into the season after what felt like a slow start. —Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 12 May 2025

Ex-Yankee Juan Soto, whose 15-year, $765 million Mets deal was a record for both dollars and length, got off to a slow start with his new team but Pete Alonso, batting right behind him, made the most of a two-year, $54 million extension containing an opt-out clause after the first season. —Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

Soto got off to a slow start after joining the Mets on a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract in the winter. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025

Thus far in 2025, he's been off to a slow start, hitting .179/.264/.462 with nine home runs, 18 RBIs, and an OPS of .726. —Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025

Rhymes for a slow start

• counterpart
• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart