Phrase guide

from the word go

adv · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adv

Meaning 1

From the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, not-comparable

Examples

  • I watched him closely from the word go because I did not trust him.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Suggesting a footrace that is begun with the word "go".

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: alusta alkaen — from the very beginning
  • German: vom ersten Moment an — from the very beginning
  • Latvian: no paša sākuma — from the very beginning
  • Polish: od początku — from the very beginning