kick starter

• 通过用脚踩下杠杆来启动发动机的装置，尤见于摩托车或小型发动机。也比喻启动或发起某个过程、项目的事物。

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.

   启动杆

   • 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.

   启动推力

   • 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.