Would you like to tell someone that they've just had a great idea, but that it still needs some development before it can be put to any good use by someone else? The expression 'starter for 10' is a common saying that can be used to tell someone this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying.
Meaning
The saying 'starter for 10' is a common expression that is used to tell someone that their idea or concept needs some further thought.
Saying to someone 'starter for 10' is almost the same as saying the expression that someone is “close but no cigar”, or that they are not quite there with the idea, concept or question yet.
The saying 'starter for 10' implies that what has just been said is only the start of something that figuratively requires nine more steps or thoughts.
'Starter for 10' is most often used in response to a statement someone has made, or an idea that they have had.
The saying 'starter for 10' and 'starter for ten' are both considered acceptable use of the term. If more than one concept or idea is being talked about, then 'starters for 10' or 'starters for ten' are also considered acceptable.
The expression is much more common in UK and Australian English than in the United States, although it is occasionally seen thanks to the reach of social media.
Sometimes the term is used to indicate that something in general is up for discussion (often in a group of people).
Example Usage
“I told him that he had a real starter for 10. I mean, it's great to think you're going to buy a cow and milk it this week, but is he going to be able to afford to keep feeding the damn cow?”
“His marriage was a real starter for ten: they really had more things to talk about before they got hitched, but I think they just decided to get divorced before any of these questions got asked.”
“That's a real starter for ten question. What do you guys think about the latest fake Harry Potter hoodie trend on TikTok where kids are going out in robes?”
“I don't know, I know that's probably in the Bible, but it's going to cause a real starter for ten if you discuss it in front of the reverend at afternoon tea.”
Origin
The origin of the common phrase 'starter for 10' is said to originate from the UK game show University Challenge, whereby questions were presented with a starter question that is followed by nine others.
The quiz format is popular in the UK, though is less common in the United States.
Use of the term spread thanks to its adoption as a saying by UK English-speakers, and the term later traveled from there to see more popular use.
Modern use of the term can partially be credited to social media, where the term has become a saying and tag to imply that something is about to be (or should be) discussed or thought about furher.
Phrases Similar to Starter for 10
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Phrases Opposite to Starter for 10
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What is the Correct Saying?
- Starter for 10
- Starter for ten
- Starters for 10
- Starters for ten
Ways People May Say Starter for 10 Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone might use the term 'starter for 10' in the wrong way or misunderstand the meaning of the expression when it has been used by someone else.
The saying 'starter for 10' is more popular for UK and Australian English, partially owing to its origin, and it is more rarely seen in the United States.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Starter for 10
The correct way to use the phrase 'starter for 10' is to imply that something should be talked about further, or that a topic is about to receive further discussion or thought.
Someone can say 'starter for 10', but the phrase 'starter for ten' is also considered acceptable.