kick starter

• Dispositif de démarrage d'un moteur, notamment sur les motos ou les petits moteurs, actionné en appuyant avec le pied sur un levier. Il est aussi utilisé métaphoriquement pour désigner ce qui déclenche ou lance un processus ou un projet.

A device used to start an engine, especially on motorcycles or small engines, by pushing down on a lever with the foot. Also used metaphorically to describe something that initiates or jump-starts a process or project.

1. Mechanical deviceB2formal

   A lever or pedal on a motorcycle or engine that is pressed down to start the engine.

   kick starter (dispositif mécanique)

   • He used the kick starter to start the old motorcycle.
   • The kick starter on the vintage bike was stiff.
   • She pressed the kick starter firmly and the engine roared to life.

2. Figurative: initial boostB2informal

   Something that provides an initial push or impetus to start a process or project.

   coup de pouce initial

   • The grant was a kick starter for the new business.
   • Her speech gave a kick starter to the fundraising campaign.
   • The early success served as a kick starter for his career.