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false start

noun [C usually singular] (PROBLEM)
 
 

Definition

an attempt to do something that fails because you are not ready or not able to do it: We had a couple of false starts because of computer problems, but now the project is really under way.FailuresAccidents and disastersHigher and lower points of achievement
(Definition of false start noun (PROBLEM) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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