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MrPernickety Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Use of "starting blocks"

Hi, guys

Which would you consider the correct version?

1. We're left in the starting blocks

2. We're left on the starting blocks

If I understand correctly, they mean that we're back on square one, right ?

Thanks !
  

Top answer

MrPernickety Which would you consider the correct version? 1. We're left in the starting blocks 2.

— Mr Wordy

  • MrPernickety Which would you consider the correct version?
  • 1.
  • We're left in the starting blocks 2.
  • We're left on the starting blocks I would say "left in the starting blocks", but Google indicates that "on" is also common.
  • This may be one of those cases where even native speakers aren't quite sure which is the correct preposition.
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3 Answers
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MrPernickety
Which would you consider the correct version?

1. We're left in the starting blocks

2. We're left on the starting blocks

I would say "left in the starting blocks", but Google indicates that "on" is also common. This may be one of those cases where even native speakers aren't quite sure which is the correct pre
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Thank you, Mr Wordy !
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I agree with your original instinct, Wordy. To me, on [the] blocks means temporarily out of comission, as a vehicle put up on blocks for storage.

Then there's "on the auction block," or "on the block."
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