Etymology
The term "non-starter" has its origins in horse racing. In horse races, a "non-starter" refers to a horse that is entered in the race but fails to start for any reason.
Meaning
The term "non-starter" has come to have a broader meaning beyond horse racing. It generally refers to:
Origin
The use of the term "non-starter" in horse racing dates back to the 18th century. It initially referred to horses that were withdrawn from a race due to injury or illness. Over time, the term expanded to include horses that failed to start for any reason, including being scratched by the trainer or rider, refusing to enter the starting gate, or being prohibited from racing due to a rule violation.
The term's broader meaning beyond horse racing emerged in the late 19th century and early 20th century. It was used to describe people or things that were not participating or contributing to a particular activity or endeavor. By the mid-20th century, "non-starter" had become a common idiom in English, meaning something or someone who is unlikely to succeed or is not worth pursuing.
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