false start noun
plural ∼ starts [count] 1 : the mistake of starting too soon in a race
▪ If someone makes/commits a false start, the race is immediately stopped and the runners have to start again. 2 : an unsuccessful attempt to begin something (such as a career or a project)
▪ After several false starts, the researchers were finally able to identify the virus causing the epidemic.
▪ If someone makes/commits a false start, the race is immediately stopped and the runners have to start again.
▪ After several false starts, the researchers were finally able to identify the virus causing the epidemic.
