when a horse race begins two word phrase

The two‑word phrase you’re looking for is “They’re off.”

Quick Scoop

• In traditional horse racing commentary, the announcer often says “They’re off” at the exact moment the starting gates open and the race begins.

• The word “post” is also tied to the start of a race (as in “post time”), but the common shouted two‑word call when the race actually begins is “They’re off.”

“They’re off” has become a general expression for “something has just started,” borrowed directly from horse racing culture.

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